SJH

If you don't give up. YOU CANNOT FAIL!

2012-02-03T13:29:00.004-07:00

Derek Redmond

My Loving Wife

2012-02-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

I am so blessed to have such a loving and supporting wife. Jessica is so amazing. I look forward to the day that she gets to become a mommy and to hold her baby for the first time. She has a wonderful, motherly instinct. Jessica is one of the most loving, caring and passionate people I know. We have three dogs that we love so much and even though these dogs are not humans they are loved just like humans. Jess is a very hard worker. She will go to work, come home clean, even though the house is already clean, and then work out. Even though Jess is so busy through out the day she always makes time for the family. She is very family oriented. She loves to take care and be with them. She is amazing!

Yesterday, in class one of my instructors showed a video of Derek Redmond, he is a famous Olympic runner. In the 1992 summer Olympics Derek was favored to win the men’s 400 meter race. Half way through the race his hamstring tore, and Derek collapse to the ground in pain. After a minute he gets up and starts hobbling to the finish line. Medical crews kept coming out to help him but he kept telling them no. He never gave up!!

After watching this video clip, I thought of my wife, Jessica. She is a go getter. I have never seen or heard of Jess giving up on anything. No matter how difficult it may be. The other day Jess had hurt her shoulder while working out. Even though it hurt she didn’t let it get in the way of what she was trying to accomplish, she just kept pushing to the end. Jessica is very driven to always do what’s right. With out fail every day she will read her scriptures and write in her journal. She has been doing this for over 20 years. When she knows it is good for you, she doesn’t give up! Jessica has a lot of amazing qualities that I love so much. I am so grateful that we found each other. I am so happy to be able to adopt and to start a family together.

I love Jessica more than anything. She means the world to me. We are so very excited for the blessing to adopt a baby. We pray everyday for birth mothers out there that may be thinking to place their baby for adoption. We pray they will make the best decision that is best for them and their baby.

Jessica I love you!

Hoping to Adopt

2012-01-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Just take my hand...together we can do this!

It has been a hard couple of years. Spencer and I always knew that we wanted a family. Children were quite often the topic of conversation. What would we name them? And yes, Spencer has always like the names I have suggested, score :). We spent countless hours babysitting nieces and nephews and loved every minute. We would always say we could not wait for the day when our little ones entered our home.

It was one fall day when I was driving home from work when I received the dreaded phone call saying that having children of our own would not be an option for us. I remember the heartache that immediately came and the tears that streamed down my face. Where do we go from here?

Spencer and I turned to our Heavenly Father. We know it is His plan and we completely trust Him. We prayed, fasted, had a lot of faith and received support from family. We then felt enticed to begin the Adoption process. We began the adoption process in June 2011. The adoption process is not easy. There is a lot of paperwork and it can be emotionally draining, but we kept the faith and kept moving forward. We were approved for adoption on October 26, 2011. We felt a lot of weight lifted off our shoulders and felt complete comfort and peace.

With the comfort and peace, we know through adoption, we will have our eternal family.

2011 in pictures!

2012-01-15T17:03:00.002-07:00

Fun pictures we had done this year!

Our cute niece, Elle, wanted to jump into the picture!!

BYU/UTAH rivals in our very own home...gotta love it AND we do :) Spencer just HAD to get a pic like this :)

Picture with Sash, Kyndal, and Chade!

Spending precious moments with Paysley before she passed away.

Clint Black concert in our lil city!

Spencer working on my mom's house!

My mom and I working out...my mom is my inspiration!!

Down time with Sash...she's a cuddle bug!

Playing outside in our backyard!

Hiking with my mom and our dogs and her dogs in good ol' Idaho!

Working out together is so much fun!!

Running with our dogs! Preparing for our race!

We ran in Recovery Day with my hospital. My hospital had a booth there and we helped manage that afterwards. It was a blast!! My mom made the T-Shirts for our hospital and my Bro-inlaw brought us all sandwiches from his awesome store, Port of Subs!!

HALLOWEEN...We went over to my co worker's house and had a lot of fun. We played a lot of games~one being Michael Jackson Dance on the Wii...Spencer and I kicked butt! Okay, for Spencer's costume...we looked everywhere for Superman, but couldn't find it. He even bought a kid's superman hoping to fit, but nope! So, he just used the cape out of it instead! Awe, memories!!!

P90X2 has begun...so excited!!!

The guys in my family including some of my nephews and my cute niece getting the game plan down for hunting!!

Spencer and Sash out doing what they love...pheasant hunting!!

We worked out with Chalene Johnson (one of my fav instructors) in Park City the day after Christmas. We are on the right on the back row :) Anyone heard of Turbo Kick, Turbo Jam, Turbo Fire, Piyo, Hip Hop Hustle, or Chalean Extreme?! She's the creator!!

Here we are with Chalene and she signed my book Push (written by her...I got it for Christmas :)...Sorry it is blurry, I think my friend was a little excited taking the picture!

2011 in Review

2012-01-10T19:45:00.003-07:00

I hate to say this, but MAN, I'm sure glad 2011 has come and gone. I keep telling myself, I just don't know how things can get any harder! Well, I've learned my lesson and I'm done saying that! Yes, each year since nursing school has been more challenging for us, but we manage to survive and even come out stronger...how does that happen? A lot of faith and prayer! My mom clearly told me during 2011 to quit being so strong and then trials wouldn't come our way...you know the saying...you are only given what you can handle?. Well, that was on my mind constantly in 2011, but He knows mine and Spencer's plan a lot better than we do. Here is our year in review (you don't want to miss this since I was MIA most of the year).

January: I became Director of Nursing for HRH, Spencer started college, and we became primary teachers (we love CTR 5)!

February: I got in a car wreck ( a car hit me from behind while at a stop light) and Paysley was our #1 concern...we had several vet appointments doing anything we could to prolong her little life.

March: Our sweet Paysley passed away. Kyndal Pays joined our family. Spencer and I celebrated our fifth anniversary!! Another car wreck ( a car hit me from behind while at a stop light).

April: Spencer's birthday and Chade's eye surgery.

May: We started Asylum (the level up from insanity-the workout program)! Yes, we are insane and belong in an asylum!! I get asked that all too often unless they really know me!! Spencer finished his first semester!

June: We began the Adoption process (there will be a post all about this coming soon), Spencer started school again, we planted our first flower bed, my cousin got married, we went to Clint Black concert in our very own city!!

July: Spent the 4th in Idaho with my mom, Spencer's family reunion, painted our fence because of HOA :)

August: Trip to Idaho for Spencer to build a fence and Spencer ended school and began again

September: Trip to Idaho for Spencer to do work for my mom, Utah State Fair, and we ran in Recovery Day with my hospital!!

October: My birthday, 10 years since Spencer and I became a couple (Awe), and approved for Adoption!!

November: Thanksgiving with my family in Idaho!

December: P90x2 arrived, Spencer finished fall semester, hunting with the family and Sash, Christmas, and working out with Chalene Johnson!!!

2011 was HARD! I am pretty sure I can say I experienced every emotion possible, but I am ready for 2012...I believe it is our year!!

Our house and yardwork.

2011-10-30T13:12:00.004-06:00

Flowers are planted!

Our flowers are getting bigger...

Ready for Halloween and the flowers still look awesome!

Spencer and I had a lot of fun this summer doing yardwork! We especially had fun putting in our flower garden for the first time! Maybe next year we will move on to an actual garden, yes, I said it :)

Chade's eye

2011-10-28T21:59:00.003-06:00

Right after surgery

All healed up!

A month after Paysley passed away, we found out that Chade had an ulcer in his right eye and if we did not take care of it quick, he would lose it. Of course, we got Chade into surgery! When Chade came out of surgery, my heart just broke~all I wanted to do was cuddle him! He had to wear a cone around his neck and deal with meds and drops in his eyes a few times a day. He handled it all like a champ and his eye looks great! Sooo glad we saved my 'lil buddy's eye!!!

Kyndal Pays

2011-10-28T21:24:00.011-06:00

First time meeting Kyndal

Bringing her home

First vet check up

Playing outside

First haircut...then had some water to drink :)

Heading to Idaho with the fam

Second haircut and Kynie looks like big sis, Pays :)

Chillin at a BBQ

After Paysley passed away, Spencer and I were devastated. It's crazy to think life could go on cuz it honestly felt like it didn't. My mom thought we needed to find us a female shih tzu to help ease the unbearable pain. Spencer and I thought she was crazy. We had Chade and Sash who we love dearly, but there was something missing AND getting another dog would never replace our sweet Paysley. One day my mom said something that really stuck and so I decided to look online at shih tzu ads. I came to one where one of the parents looked exactly and I mean exactly like Paysley. I showed Spencer and sent the ad to my mom. They both agreed. After some prayer, I decided to call and go visit these puppies. They had a few litters and my intent was to look at the youngest litter who had quite awhile before they were able to go to their new homes because I just didn't feel ready yet. I said a little prayer when we pulled up to the house. We went in and I immediately saw the dog that looked like Paysley and this dog immediately ran up to me and began loving on me and I kept looking at Spencer like this must be a sign!! Then the lady hands me a puppy from her litter that was ready for their new homes and says "This is Paysley!" WHAT, come again! I looked at Spencer like, DOES SHE KNOW OUR STORY?! But, she did not. The rest is history...and we named that sweet lil puppy Kyndal Pays!!!

I know someone was watching over us and knew what we needed. Kyndal is a lot like Paysley. She loves on us the way Paysley did. We could not have gotten a dog that acted any closer to Paysley than our little Kynie does.

Kyndal loves to give kisses. If she warms up to you, she will lick you all day long...I'm not kidding! She loves her big sister, Sash! Sash loves her too! Sash will lay down and let Kyn attack her all day long. It is the cutest thing. Every night Sash and Kyndal sit by our laundry room door waiting for their treats! Chade waits patiently as he follows me around. He knows he will get one...he doesn't have to look obsessive like the girls, lol :)

Aww, I love my dogs and did I mention I sure miss my Pays!!!

Paysley Halford 7/30/2006-3/1/2011

2011-10-28T20:01:00.004-06:00

Our sweet 'lil Paysley passed away March 1, 2011.

I have not blogged since February because I knew it would be way too hard to blog about my sweet Paysley, but sometimes ya just gotta face your fears, right?!

I think about the last time I blogged and Paysley was right next to me...what I would give to go back!

Paysley was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure the end of December 2010. Paysley had to be on a special diet and she was not a fan because if you knew Paysley, you knew she loved her treats! Some days were a lot harder to get Paysley to eat. We needed her to gain weight, but despite her eating and all our efforts to switching up diets, Paysley kept losing. There were days where I would literally break into tears because Paysley would put up such a fight to eat, but once she saw my tears, she would eat like crazy! She could always sense when I was sad...man, I miss her!!! The vet gave us an option of putting Paysley on an expensive medication that would increase her red blood cells and that would help prolong her life. Her red blood cells kept decreasing and the vet said that was contributing to her seizures. Spencer and I were all for it. We would do anything for our little girl! Paysley had been on the medication for a short time and we took her in on a Friday and we got good news that her red blood cells had not decreased, but had remained the same...we had HOPE! Then that Monday I came home from work and saw the hardest thing I have ever seen. I saw Paysley lying almost lifeless in her bed with her tongue partially hanging out of her mouth. I quickly picked her up and held her in my arms for the rest of the night. I remember feeling as though I was being tortured. I knew she didn't have long. Spencer and I had her sleep next to us and I did not sleep well because I did not want her to slip away while I was asleep. That was my worst fear...not being with her! Then Tuesday I had to go to work, but luckily Spencer was home with her. I kept receiving texts from Spencer saying that Paysley was very sick and had lost control of her bowels. All of a sudden I became extremely ill...extremely ill! I was helping my supervisor waste narcotics and I became weak, sweaty, and very pale. I went to the bathroom and when I looked in the mirror, I didn't even recognize myself. When I walked back to the nursing station, some said I was green. They were so worried about me that they were about ready to call the ambulance, but I just said that I really just needed to go home. Looking back, I think that is when it finally hit me...that I was losing my Paysley! I drove straight home and wrapped Paysley up in my arms. I held her and talked to her. We went down memory lane. I will never forget her brown eyes looking up at me like she was really listening. All day she had been throwing up about every 10 minutes, but for that hour she layed content in my arms. I had talked to my mom earlier that day and told her about our sweet Paysley and she drove straight from Idaho to be with us. My mom arrived at our house about an hour after I got home. She came in and held Paysley, but Paysley looked back at me like I just need my mommy...so sweet. We then all took her to the vet to see if there was anything we could do...anything! The vet let us know there was nothing else and Paysley was only going to keep suffering. It was the hardest, yet most peaceful time letting her go. Paysley closed her sweet, trusting, brown eyes and it was a neat experience having us all together. It is something I will always cherish!

God gives you things sometimes you didn't know you wanted...

2011-02-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

First, I apologize I haven't been the best blogger~well, I haven't even been one! I can't believe my last post was over 6 months ago. I will try to catch ya up real quick :)! We finished our yard~front & back! They look great! I will take pics this summer and post them or add ones I already have later on~who knows, I'm not gonna lie, I am one busy girl these days!!! If you are my facebook friend then you have seen pics and are pretty caught up on our lives (that's the best way these days~it's quick and easy AnD oN mY pHoNe!!!)

Anyway, back to the title of my post "God give you things sometimes you didn't know you wanted..." My Director of Nursing didn't take the job at our sister hospital and ended up staying at our hospital. It was no big deal to me because I loved my position on dayshift. I even had people who had read my last post ask me if I had become DON and when I told them it had fallen through, they acted like I had made the whole thing up, okay whatever...Then in October/November our hospital began working with Pioneer Valley to open up a psych unit there. They were thinking of moving my DON there to be a Nurse Practioner, so once again they were talking to me about becoming the DON at our hospital or the new one at Pioneer Valley. We signed the contract with Pioneer, so I knew this was going to be happening, but I didn't know when. I knew once we got the official date, I would start training with my DON. Then the day after Christmas, my associative administrator called me and said that on Dec. 29th they were letting the DON go, and they wanted me to step in. I literally almost fell over. I wasn't expecting it to happen that soon and with them getting rid of the DON, I wasn't going to have any training by her. My Associative Administrator is a nurse and he is wonderful and the plan was that he would be my direct supervisor and help me.

I want to make this very clear that I never applied for this position, but administration came to me and offered it to me. This is where the title comes in. I went to school to become an RN and I got my associates. I was happy with that. I thought in a couple years I would go back to school, but family was first on my mind. Some things do not happen the way you plan. If I wanted to be in administration so soon, I would have kept going to get my bachelors, masters, etc... I do not know why I was chosen. DON's have Bachelors or Masters degrees, so I wonder daily why I was chosen and why so soon, but I had several people tell me I could not turn down this opportunity. Spencer and I prayed and felt like DON was right for me.

Now, I'm not going to lie, there are days where I feel very inadequate!!! Our CEO of the hospital has become very sick, so my associative administrator has had to step in as CEO and I have lost his direct help. He is still my supervisor, but I am on my own. From day one, I have learned the DON tasks on my own. I thank my parents daily for teaching me to be motivated and hardworking because for the first month I went in blind, not knowing a thing, and I had to dig deep and just go for it. My mom and Spencer probably cannot count the number of texts I have sent telling them I was on the verge of tears. It has been so stressful, but so worth it. Administration is hard. I remember my first leadership meeting with the vice president of the corporation and he asks this little nurse who literally has only been a nurse for a little over a year and is now the DON(Yes, me!!!) of his most successful hospital about my action plan for nursing. My heart literally sank to my butt (haha, my tech said that the other day and made me laugh SO hard), but I answered him with no problems, but OH the anxiety! Also, my first Quality Improvement meeting~ at the beginning of the week I had asked my supervisor if I needed my incident report reviews, patient evals, etc ready for that meeting and he said no, but then that morning he realized I did need it and I had to hurry and scramble to present it! Yes, my mom and Spencer got a text that morning! It is hard to be in administration. I am the youngest and they all have masters degrees and beyond. But, the great thing is, they do not treat me like that! They are so supportive. I love them all! I am amazed by the faith they have in me! I could not have a better supervisor! Our VP of the Corporation has been spending a lot of time at our hospital and they both have been complimenting my work. The VP also works out a lot AND he loves talking to me about that~SO glad we have that in common :)

Another hard thing about being the DON is managing my nurses and techs. One of the Drs came to me one day and said, "I am so glad they picked you!" Then he said, "Managing nurses is like herding cats!" Haha, so dang true! I think Spencer is now realizing just how NORMAL and I mean NORMAL I am!!! He hears my conversations (because I am on call 24-7)! It has been hard on me realizing the personalities that some have. My supervisor always told me, but the fact that I actually can see it, is sad. I have some that do not trust their own decision making and call me ALL THE TIME! I have some that call me over the strangest things even when they are not working. I have some that call in sick all the time. I have some that mess up a lot. I have some that I have told things to time and time again, but STILL do not get it. It can get frustrating, but when it comes down to it, I care about my staff and I want them to succeed.

The hardest thing about becoming the DON was the gossip. I am one of the youngest nurses on my staff, so I am sure some were upset when they found out I was DON. I heard a lot of back talk. It hurt, but I am not one to let it get me down. It took almost a week from the time they let our former DON go, to them announcing me, so rumors were flying!!! I hated that week! I knew everyone was speculating me...the room got quiet every time I entered~awkward! We then had a Nursing Staff meeting the first part of January where the CEO and Associative Administrator announced me as DON. No kidding, one of the nurses, raised her hand, right after the announcement and said I told my husband that when Jessica can't handle being the DON, that he can quit his job, and I will be DON! I love my associative administrator because he then said I think you need a room on our psych unit, haha! LOVE the support from him!!!

It has been hard, but a great blessing! I am so grateful to be the Director of Nursing of a very successful hospital. I have grown and learned so much in just over a month and a half. I do miss working the floor. I miss working with my patients. I am now in a whole new world, but it's a great new world and I have been very blessed! Spencer reminds me to be grateful! I am grateful! I honestly love this hospital. When I think back on how I found this job, it was an answer to my prayer! The Lord knows what is best and he DEFINITELY gives you things sometimes you didn't know you wanted!!! If you would have asked me even a year ago where I would be today, I would have never said a DON, but the Lord knew it and for that I am very GRATEFUL!!!

Spencer is loving life! We are both so grateful because right now Spencer is able to focus on school. We definitely think timing has been in our favor. He is enjoying school and doing very well. He has also been keeping up with his workouts! At the end of Dec, we were called to teach CTR 5 in primary and are enjoying it! It is funny because my associative administrator teaches the same class in his ward and he has given us some pointers, haha!

Our dogs are still our babies and we love them VERY much! Chade is almost 7 1/2 and still a momma's boy! With Spencer being at home working on school, he is getting more comfortable with Spencer, but then I come home and it is like Spencer who?! Sad, I know! It will never change! Paysley is 4 1/2 and was diagnosed with chronic kidney failure just before the new year. Paysley had a pregnancy last year. She had 6 babies. They were born a week early and the vet said that is like a human being born 3 months early. 3 of the pups were stillborn and then we had the other 3 die each day for the first 3 days. It was very sad and hard on us. We didn't know why the pups came early. They didn't look good and were not eating on their own. We tried everything we could and even did tube feedings, but they just weren't ready. Then Paysley's breath started to stink and got really bad. We took her to the vet to have them cleaned and they did blood work to see if they could put her under anesthesia. That is when they found she has chronic kidney failure. Hence, her babies coming early and the bad breath. The news has been devastating to us. She is like a kid to us. She was put on a special diet. She has been checked by the vet a few times. Her lab work still does not look good and she continues to lose weight despite her eating. She also has started having seizures. They are very hard to watch and I cry each time. Two weeks ago was the last time she went to the vet. The vet decided to keep her and hook her to an IV to push some fluids in her. I was so excited when I picked her up and thought we were headed in the right direction. My mom even came down to see Paysley because my mom has a special bond with her. Well that weekend Paysley had three seizures in about 15 hours. I was holding her and she had one in my lap. My mom and I witnessed that one and we both cried. The vet then put her on valium and she hasn't had one since. I am hoping she is gaining weight. The vet said if she eats and doesn't cont to lose weight her life expectancy is a year, but if not she has a couple months...soooooo hard on us!!! Spencer has done a WONDERFUL job taking care of her while I am at work! It has been so hard on me to juggle learning a new job and hearing bad news about my little girl. I'm not going to lie, I've been close to a breakdown many times! Then last, but not least is Sash! Sash is almost 1 1/2 years old and went hunting for the first time and LOVES it! She even pointed birds and retrieved them! We are so proud :) She also loves her squeaky toys, kicking her balls, running crazy in the field next to our house, dog commercials, riding in the truck with Spencer, and laying on me!

I hope this Lonnngggg post has made up for the 6 months you have gone without the Halfords'!

You rEaP what you SoW

2010-08-08T18:23:00.000-06:00

Our summer hasn't been filled with trips/vacations...what have we been doing, you might ask...working! The other day I was feeling sorry for myself wondering if I should plan a vacation for the two of us because I honestly feel like we don't have lives:(! Well, my mom really opened my eyes to the feeling sorry for us for working all summer AND it's all because of a text that my mom wrote saying "You reap what you sow." Here's the story~Our hospital has a general staff meeting scheduled once a month. It is always from 2pm-3pm and that is when I'm on the floor so I rarely make it to them because that is when I am finishing up my shift. We had one this month and at 2:50pm, my CEO came on the floor and said Jessica, we need you to come to the meeting. I thought it was really weird because not only was he acting strange, but really, for the last ten minutes of the meeting?! Anyway, I walk into our cafeteria and it is packed. We have everyone from the hospital there~administration, intake, business office, medical records, the clinical team, and all the nursing staff. Everyone is smiling at me and I didn't have a place to sit, so I just stood to the side. I then notice the Director of Nursing is standing up in the front and she begans to talk about a nurse, omgosh she was talking about me and then she announces that I was Employee of the Quarter! She then had me come up to the front and I was in total shock mode! It was such an honor! Then like I said in my last post about how administration has been talking to me about becoming the Director of Nursing in 1-2 years, well our Director of Nursing got an offer to be a nurse practitioner at our sister hospital and she pulled me into her office saying that she recommended me to be the next D.O.N. I was floored! The administration keeps telling me I am on a fast track at the hospital, but I didn't realize it could be that soon! I definitely have a lot to think about. The paycheck would be amazing, but I wouldn't be working the floor anymore and I don't know if I am ready for that...tear! I am definitely going to rely on the Lord to help me make this decision. Okay, so about my mom's text...Friday my D.O.N pulled me into her office and said I was getting a raise! She said that Corporate told them they could pick one person and they picked me...it is an excellent raise! I text my mom and she congratulated me and then wrote "You reap what you sow!"
She is right! No more complaining from me! I can definitely see blessings from all the hard work! Thanks to my mom,who not only taught me to work hard, but to also see the blessings!
Spencer works 10-12 hour days and then comes home and works on our yard. We have been putting our backyard in and redoing our front. It has taken a lot of time and MONEY! We have HOA who wants everything to look so nice. I can honestly say I am grateful for that because it will look amazing! We are hoping to have it all done by the end of this month! Spencer is amazing and soooo talented. He doesn't even have to get my opinion because he knows I trust anything that he does! I love him so much and am sooo grateful that he is such a hard worker!
So here's to our summer and working our tails off!

2010-06-27T17:57:00.001-06:00

I have had so many people ask me when I was going to update my blog and I didn't realize how long it has been until I saw the Easter background. Oops! Life is going well for us. We can't complain. Spencer became RMGA certified which means going to classes and passing a three hour long test! That means he can pretty much install anything in homes when it comes to natural gas. Spencer is so savy when it comes to work on homes. I feel so lucky because he can do or fix anything! Right now he is working on putting in our backyard and front yard. We never had a backyard, so we had to put a fence up and put in a sprinkler system. Spencer also didn't like our grass in the front (it wasn't level, who would've guessed :), so he tore that all out and redid the sprinkler system in the front too. It has taken a long time. Now, he has the sprinklers buried and we are bringing in a bunch of top soil to level it all out and then bringing in sod. Spencer makes me laugh. He has picked out the nicest kind of sod. I guess there is a difference, haha~once again, who would've guessed, but I am so glad Spencer knows his stuff. It'll be so nice to let our dogs run in our backyard and not worry about them getting out. Right now Spencer has it all fenced in to where they can't get out and they love to go out there, but I think it'll be even nicer when they have a lawn. Awh, can't wait for that day! As for me, I still get the same ol' question "How are ya feeling?" It has been about 4 1/2 months since my surgery! Since the last time I wrote this up to about three weeks ago, I was feeling pretty dang good. It seemed I would get my worst headaches on the weekend! I would call my mom almost in tears because sometimes it would ruin my weekends! My mom said her Dr told her once that he got his worst headaches when he wasn't stressed! I could totally relate to that. Then about three weeks ago they came back full fledged, especially this past week. I have literally felt like I did days after my surgery. The spasms are back and strong as ever. They can become so unbearable. A couple times at work, I thought I was going to have to leave work and go straight to the ER. I even thought about going into our doctors offices at work and asking if they could put me on something,but I knew I would have broke down in tears. There were days I became so desperate, but I didn't go through with it because well if you know me, I'm a turd! This last Thursday at work I was so misearble and they sent me home early. I then missed Friday at work and I hate missing work, but I know it's for the best. Everyone tells me I need to take it easy, but I seriously find that difficult. I always feel like I need to be doing something. If you have met anyone in my family, you would know it's a hereditary thing! As of today, I am trying to figure out a better schedule for me. My schedule has been~ work 5 days a week, workout 6 days a week, and literally take a part of deep cleaning and do it 5 days a week, so I don't have to take up one full day of it. I know crazy! I need something new and anyone in their right mind has been telling me that!!! I just hope I can give up some of that because I do realize I push myself too hard and it only makes me feel worse. Anyway,I talked to my neurosurgeon and he wants me to see a neurologist. I made an appt for one in a couple weeks. The Dr. wants me to bring in all my mri's, ct's, angiograms, etc. and said he will be with me for atleast an hour and a half. I talked to my brother inlaw who used to work up in surgery and actually did surgeries with my neurosurgeon. Before my surgery he warned me about the killer headaches afterward. This last Sunday I asked him on average how long did the "killer headaches" last. He told me 5-7 years. Wow! I knew I had major surgery, but to be miserable on and off for that long, no thanks! So, my goal with the neurologist is to find a medication that can control them. I have tried pretty much everything I can and nothing helps. I can tell when one comes on because I get VERY nauseous and sweaty along with the headache. No fun and that is something difficult to hide at work. I also saw my neurosurgeon in April and he said he wants me to have an MRI every 5 years because since I was so young with a thin aneurysm, I'm susceptible to more. It definitely wasn't something I wanted to hear, but oh well. I just pray I don't get another one. On to better news because my life is definitely not all about that (sorry, that's just the most common question I get from people), about two months ago, my DON (Director of Nursing) came to me and said she would like me to take her calls when she goes out of town, wow, what an honor! The administration has been talking to me about furthering my education a bit, so that in a year or 2 I could become the DON. I am very flattered and would love the job! I have to get use to the on call thing though. If there are any nursing questions and my DON is out of town (which she is a lot, but hey more power to her), they call me. I'm on call a lot in July, but sometimes I have to laugh cuz I can get the most ridiculous calls and my DON warned me about that, haha! Nursing is fun and I laughed when I read my last post because I still feel that same way! I love where I work! I was very blessed to have found that job and to be surrounded by everyone I associate with. It is so amazing to see patients being admitted during their rock bottom times and then to see them learn and grow and discharge as a totally different person. I am so lucky because working days I do 99% of the discharges and it amazes me each time to see what they are taking away from this experience. It definitely gives me a whole new outlook on life that I could never get anywere else!

The most amazing job!

2010-03-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

That's right, I have the most amazing job, I love it! I was pretty nervous to go back and charge on day shift. It's quite a bit different than nights, haha go figure! I absolutely love it though and I have caught on quick. I've had staff tell me how impressed they are on how well I've done! Days are soooo busy, but I love it! I love feeling like I am running like a chicken with my head cut off! If I'm gone one second, I always hear~Jessica, please call the nurses station, Jessica please come to the nurses station, etc! You want to know the coolest thing though? I have the most amazing patients and amazing staff members! I love my staff! We ALWAYS have so much fun! It doesn't matter if we finally caught a minute to eat, or we are all running around like crazy doing different things, we still pass by each other and make each other laugh! I love when I am so busy at the nurses station and one of my staff come and sit right by me and make me laugh so hard I'm in tears!!! My shift ALWAYS goes by so fast. I'm always like, oh crap, it's already time to do report! It's crazy, but I absolutely love it! The Dr's are amazing as well! The medical director (the main Dr) always comes up to me and makes sure I am not overwhelmed. I try to tell him that's how I LOVE IT! He's always concerned about my head spasms and is always telling me he will write me a prescription for whatever I need. I'll admit, I down play it. I don't like my staff to know I am getting spasms, but they are never bad enough to keep me from work! I also go into meetings every day at 11:30 am with all the Dr's and therapists. I love it! It is so much fun having all of us discuss ALL of our patients! I absolutely love learning from all of them! They are amazing! Every time I get off work, I tell Spencer I love my job and he always says he is so glad! I love the early morning drive to work and I love getting off and still having most of the day left. I love working! I love being a nurse! I am so so so happy!

Our Miracle

2010-03-05T12:06:00.001-07:00

"Sometimes God calms the storm...sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child."

I honestly don't know where to begin. The last 4 months have been quite the roller coaster! I have kept you pretty close up to date. I was going to write on here the day before my surgery, but I had so many emotions running through my head that I couldn't focus long enough to blog! I am going to start with Friday the 12th of February right before my surgery. I was a nervous wreck! My mom would always text before and after work to see if I was holding up. That night I told her everything was great and then I was off to work. The staff leaving as I was coming on all hugged me and said they were praying for me. Oh goodness, I thought I was feeling tough, but I almost broke. It was so sweet of all of them. Then my tech that works with me mon-thurs came in around midnight to give me a card. I was remaining strong. I was so busy that night that one of my patients told me to slow down or I was going to have a heart attack or stroke...nice! It finally started to calm down at work and I received a text from my mom. My mom was getting up to go to work at 2, 3, or 4 in the morning for the past couple weeks so she could be all caught up at work to come down here. Anyway, she asked how work was going. I finally text her back saying I was so close to having an anxiety attack and that I was literally breaking. She then text me saying she had cried herself to sleep because she couldn't imagine what I was going through. She then told me to call her on my way home. My staff let me leave work early. They could tell my head hurt and that I was getting emotional. I got in my car, called my mom, and we both cried. I literally didn't think I could go through with this!

"The struggles I'm facing, the chances I'm taking, sometimes might knock me down, but no, I'm not breaking. I may not know it, but these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most. Yeah, just gotta keep goin and I gotta be strong~just keep pushing on..."

Some of you might think awwh, it's just surgery, but it was bigger than that to me. Everyone my age is having children, moving on with their lives, and I'm about ready to face brain surgery which is a risk in and of itself. It was hard! I wanted us to be moving on as well, so this is what needed to be done.

Then like I said Spencer treated me to a great weekend, but I couldn't sleep. I layed awake all those nights thinking about my surgery. What if I died Tueday the 16th...what if this next weekend was my funeral...seriously all these thoughts and more were consuming my brain. I couldn't even share my feelings with Spencer or anyone for that matter because no one wanted to hear it. I don't blame them, but they were running through my mind quite frequently! After we returned from the Bed and Breakfast, I went to sacrament with Spencer, his bro Shayne, and his 2 cousins. After, I took a muscle relaxer and went to bed (I needed the sleep after the night before). I missed going to my sister inlaw's for dinner which I am so sorry for missing, but I was out! Then Monday we had a family fast. What an amazing day! I thought I was going to be a nervous wreck, but I felt the Holy Ghost surround me and I was comforted. Needless to say, I spent 7 hours cleaning my already clean house! During my cleaning, I received a text from my sister Patti. As I read it, I bawled! She said that she wished she could have this surgery for me because I am her little sister and she always wants to protect me, but for some reason the Lord has given this trial to me. She knew I was strong and that I was in the Lord's hands. She also said that we, as a family, were all united in faith that day. I wish I could remember the exact wording. It was great! I appreciated it so much! I also received texts like that from my mom and my other siblings! Each time, I would sit and cry! Then that night I met my family and Spencer's family at Chuck A Rama to break our fast. I was filled with so much anxiety that I couldn't really talk to anyone...I am so sorry about that. It was not intentional at all. I just felt VERY overwhelmed. We then went to Jen's house and Spencer gave me a blessing with all the priesthood holders in my family. Spencer did a great job and I felt the spirit very strongly. Then my mom got up and said how she was so proud of how strong I am! Let's just say I was not the only one in tears in that room! Then I went with my mom and sisters to get some yogurt and talked. It was good to talk about other things and take my mind away from surgery. Then my mom came back to my house and spent the night with me and Spencer. My mom knew I had not been sleeping well and usually woke up early, so she said if I woke up, to wake her up, and we would watch The Bachelor that we had DVR'd, haha don't judge:)! I woke up at 4am and layed in my bed until 5am and then went out to the living room. I didn't want to wake my mom, but she heard me and woke anyway. We both watched The Bachelor. Then my mom worked out while I bathed. It was then time to head to the hospital!

"Get on your knees and dig down deep, you can do what you think is impossible..."

My mom and Spencer felt bad about eating breakfast in front of me because well, I couldn't because of surgery, but I made them get some McDonalds. As we were driving, I turned to my mom and said, "Why don't we just turn around, get me some McDonalds and head home?!" I seriously don't know if I was joking or not, but we proceeded to the hospital. When we pulled up to the hospital, every ounce of feeling hit me all at the same time. I felt emotionless...I was numb. We went up to the counter to fill out all the fun paperwork and the receptionist tells another lady to let the charge nurse know that the "rush patient" is here. I guess they didn't want to upset Dr. MacDonald and have me late for my surgery at 12. Keep in mind this is 10:30am. I was nervous...fighting back tears. They took me to pre op, got my weight, my vitals, and my gown. My mom and Spencer were with me. Then my step mom showed up and then had to go, and then both my sisters showed up. Then my "fun" nurse (okay, not really) came in to put my IV in. She asked which arm had the best veins, I pointed to my left~my mom told her I was a nurse~well, the nurse looks at me and proceeds to put my IV in the right arm. It took her a couple pokes...next time...listen....my left one is better...jeesh!!! AND she put it close to my wrist, aaah! Then she joked that I was getting my lunch through the IV, sure didn't feel like it. I was starving! Anyway, enough of her! I had received a phone call from my dad. I had asked him to give me a Father's Blessing. As we were hanging up, he said "if I get there before they wheel you away into surgery, I will give you one. We hung up, I looked at Spencer, mom, and my sisters and started crying! I was breaking...they were breaking! My cousin Brandie also showed up. My dad got there just after noon and I hadn't been taken away yet. I was ready, but my surgeon was running behind~hard on this girl's mind. The anticipation was killing me. My dad got there in time and gave me a Father's Blessing. Once again, I wasn't the only one in tears. Then my Aunt Shauna showed up along with my Grandpa Christensen. The staff were super nice and let all these people in my room! It was crowded, they were sharing chairs, but I loved it! My grandpa then wanted to offer a prayer. He did and it was great. When I first found out about my aneurysm, my grandpa fasted and went to the temple. He let me know that he knew I was going to live a long life...he knew that I would get rid of the aneurysm...HE KNEW!!! I love my grandpa!!! Then Spencer's parents showed up. Every time I would hear people walking down the hall, my heart would race! Were they ready for me...was it time?! Then a couple guys walk into the room, surprised that so many people are in my room and then tell me I am getting an ART LINE! My first response was why? Only people in ICU have them...why me? Well of course it was so they could have a direct measurement of my blood pressure throughout surgery and the ICU. I guess I never even thought of the slightest chance of maybe having one of those~my biggest worry had been the darn catheter! Well, the art line was put in my left arm by my wrist into my radial artery...OUCH! Not fun! Some of my family left the room because the guys didn't want anyone fainting on them, oh boy! No one did! In the midst of all this drama, my mom, Pat, and Spencer decide to start taking photos!!! Are you kidding me...seriously? I don't want photos! It's not the time for smiling!! My mom then says I will want this documented. I will love seeing these pictures down the road. I will love showing my kids while saying to them that I did this for them!

Then a guy comes in my room and says It's time!!! Once again every emotion hits me like a ton of bricks! Am I honestly ready?

Doubt not; fear not...Trust Him in all things...

As we are ALL walking down the hall, the anesthesiologist meets us by the elevator and takes us all up to the surgical floor. Can I just say if it wasn't for this guy, I would have broke! He jokes as we are all in the elevator asking me who my favorite person is! As we enter the floor, Spencer and I hug and kiss and we all have to part ways. HARD!!! The anesthesiologist wheels me down the hall answering EVERY question I have. What a great guy. We stop right outside my surgery room and he continues to talk to me. He can tell I am so nervous. He puts his hand on my shoulder while calming me down with his words. What a great doctor with great bedside manners! He then puts Versed (the medicine) into a syringe and puts it on my IV. He then says he will push it in after the Charge Nurse talks to me. Then he leaves to go get her. The whole time I'm thinking, hmmm, if I push this in, I won't feel this anxiety anymore. I mean I am licensed to do so! BUT, I didn't! He then comes back with the charge nurse. The charge nurse is getting Spencer's number, so she can call and let him know when they make the incision, when they were done, etc... Then my neurosurgeon walks by all geared up and ready to go...the sight of him makes my heart beat even faster!!! He stops, asks if I have any questions, I shake my head, and he walks into the room. The anesthesiologist injects the Versed into my vein. I look up at him and say how long until this kicks in. He looks at me and says you tell me~and I was out!

Our MIRACLE

The next thing I remember is waking up in PACU (the recovery room). The nurse is talking to me. I am trying so hard to stay awake. I keep lifting up my head and seeing other patients around me. My throat KILLS! My nurse tells me who she is and then asks me "Can you tell me your name, birthdate, and where you are?" I answered her...I answered her!!! I knew the answers! I just had brain surgery AND I can answer her AND my vision isn't blurry...I become a little emotional!!! I ask her when can I see Spencer and my family? My THROAT hurts (from being intubated during surgery) and I am trying soooo hard to stay awake. I HATED that feeling! She then tells me they are taking me down to neuro critical care unit and I will see my family there. I see Spencer first!!! It was so good to see him! They my dad and mom come in. At about this time, my body starts shaking like crazy! My head hurts, my throat hurts, and I can't stop shaking! My body finally calms down and then all of Spencer's family come into see me, along with mine (2 at a time of course). As my sister Patti and Aunt Shauna are in visiting me, Dr. MacDonald comes in and says the aneurysm was small, but that he was glad he did it because it was so thin! He then told me everything else looked great! What a relief...what a true blessing from the Lord...what a miracle!

My nurse that night was a guy that had served in the same mission as my brother~what a small world! I wasn't suppose to have visitors stay the night in my room, but my nurse let Spencer stay. Poor Spencer, all he had to sleep on was a chair! I felt so bad for him and kept telling him he could go home or to one of my sisters' to sleep. He didn't want to leave me...how sweet! I was very nauseated and threw up that night. My head felt pretty good though, so all night long I didn't ask for pain meds. I drank a lot of water though and ate a lot of saltines. Throughout my surgery, my fav nurse from where I work, Marci, called Spencer and my mom to find out how I was doing. Marci and my mom even cried to each other on the phone. Before I went to bed, I called my work. A nurse named Heather answered. When she found out it was me, she started crying~she's not like that, it was cool. Then I talked to Marci. They were all so surprised I was doing so well! Marci told me I had experienced a miracle on this Earth. I got emotional. I knew I had, I knew it. The Lord never left me alone. I knew it! She told me to pray with Spencer and thank my Heavenly Father. We did just that and it felt so good to thank Him. Then every two hours my nurse had to come in and do a neuro check on me. I was so happy each time I did everything he told me to. What a miracle...I was myself! The next day my new nurse came in. I said I am feeling great and want to get up and walk. She looked a little shocked, but said okay. She walked with me once around the unit and then realized I was doing fine on my own and let me walk a few more times by myself. She then asked if I wanted a bed bath. Sure! I felt pretty gross. She knew I was a nurse, so this is what she did~ She got all my bathing products, put them at the sink, and said have at it and left. What? Really? My left arm has an art line, my right arm has 2 IV's and I have a JP drain coming out of my head that collects blood. How in the world was I going to give myself a wash down. I had to hold the drain, yeah not going to happen. I started washing my legs and arms, got really lightheaded and had to sit down. I then told my nurse I couldn't do it, so she said okay and walked away. They then took me down to get a CT scan. The radiology tech couldn't believe a patient from NCCU was awake and even talking, yeah that's me! That whole day I was so bored. I wanted to keep walking and moving. I had quite a few visitors. My cousin Brandie and Aunt Claudia were in speaking with me around 4pm when Dr. MacDonald walks in. He tells me my CT scan looked great and that the nurses say I have been doing excellent. He then asks me if I am ready to move to the step down unit. Keep in mind he told Spencer and my mom that maybe I could go home Friday, maybe! I told him I was ready to go home. He looks at me kinda stunned, nods his head, and says you want to go home? Yep, Dr. I want to go home! Meanwhile, my aunt runs out to get my mom and Spencer and tells them to hurry back into my room because I told the Dr I want to go home. So, here mom and Spencer come running into my room. Well, it's final, Dr. MacDonald said I can go home. YIPPEEE! My mom had bought me the cutest comfy clothes earlier to wear home~perfect timing! I was up, dressed, and ready to go within minutes! My nurse came in shocked that he was letting me go home. They had never let a patient go home straight from the ICU! Haha, I didn't care! Dr MacDonald had taken off my bandages on my head and my hair was covered in antibiotic ointment and I could finally see what he did. Nice work! On my way home, I stopped by work (yes, work!) to show Marci what had happened the day before! My mom, Marci, and I got emotional! Then I went to Patti's house and she washed my hair in her little salon. Thanks Pat!!! The ointment was still by my incision and my bangs. It was hard to get off. Pat lets me wear one of her hats and then we all went to dinner. Yes, dinner! I was ready to party! The next day, my mom, Spencer, and I went shopping and out to lunch. At about this time, my left side of my face was getting swollen. It's hard enough to look in the mirror and see 35 staples, but even harder to see half your face swollen. Yes, I broke down to my mom and Spencer about it. It was hard! That night I was pretty sick. I don't remember much. Spencer and my mom were my nurses. I know I was throwing up, my head hurt, and I was getting a temp. The temp was normal though, but if it got too high, I would have to go back to the hospital! No way in heck was I going back! The next day we went to Pats and she washed my hair again...my face was really swollen and I could barely see out my left eye. That night I got really sick again. My mom and Spencer decided that they weren't letting me "go out to play" anymore and that I would have to rest at home. I had some bad nights and even bad mornings, but I kept pushing on! My mom went back to Idaho that Sunday. I felt good, but kept having bad spasms (those darn things still haven't left almost 3 weeks later, but that is to be expected). I had started working out~cardio anyway...I was staying away from weights because lifting weights increases your intracranial pressure...I know lawdy da! Thursday the 25th (9 days after surgery), I went back to Dr. MacDonald and he took out all my staples. It didn't hurt, I repeat, it didn't hurt! It felt like little pinches! Dr. MacDonald said I looked great and I have been his fastest patient to heal so darn fast! Hope that makes sense~I have been on this chair typing for way too long~oh well, I am documenting this, haha gotta love my mom~I then tell him I have been doing cardio, but was wondering when I could start back to lifting weights. He said today! He said I was recovering so quickly because of my health and he didn't see why I couldn't do it! He was so nice that day and we seriously bonded for those ten minutes! Some fun facts about Dr. MacDonald~He is the best neurosurgeon in Utah for aneurysms~His patients heal faster than any other surgeons. He is one of the only neurosurgeons that DOESN'T shave hair. Love him!

I am going to end there because after that, I have been back to my normal self. I do still get spasms. They hurt! Dr. MacDonald said when they cut into my skull, they cut into a muscle. That is why my jaw hurts (I seriously couldn't open my mouth wide for the longest time). That has quite a bit to do with the spasms. I also was nauseated a lot and threw up almost every day. I have gotten myself off of the narcotics, so I am feeling much better other than the spasms. Monday I start up back at work, but guess what?! I was promoted to be the dayshift charge nurse~YIPPEE! What an honor! It is a lot to take on. I am nervous, but know I can do it!!!

A testimony builder...

Wow, I don't know where to begin with this either! This has been a miracle that I will never forget~ These are the moments that I'm gonna remember most! I know I could not have done this without my Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ! Many times, I got down on my knees and poured out my whole heart and soul. I didn't want to face this, but I had no choice. I know we are given trials and I know that if we put our faith in Heavenly Father and Christ, we will come out a stronger person. I knew that. I did! But, as the surgery got closer, I doubted myself. I knew in my heart that surgery was the way to go. I knew it. But, Satan challenged me each and every day. He gave me the anxiety, he gave me the doubts and fears. It was Satan! I am glad I had the knowledge of knowing that. I am glad that I could turn to prayer during those difficult times~ I am so grateful for the power of prayer. I am grateful for my family...I am so grateful for them! If it wasn't for the strength and encouragement from them, I couldn't have done this! I love them all so much. Each text, each phone call, each conversation helped a ton. Thank you so much! I am so grateful for the power of fasting. I felt a tremendous amount of comfort the day before my surgery and like Patti had text me~ we were all united in faith that day. What a tremendous blessing. I am grateful for the blessing of the priesthood. I am so honored to be married to a priesthood holder. His blessings helped renew my faith. His blessings helped calm my spirit. I am grateful for the men that could stand in the circle with him. You are all such a strength to me! I am grateful for my neurosurgeon. I was so blessed to have him as the on-call Dr. the night I found out about my aneurysm. I am grateful that this trial has strengthened my testimony. I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for each and everyone of us AND I know that He will guide us through it if we turn to Him. I know this...I have lived it!

"When you think you can't, look back and remember you can!"

Valentine's Day 2010

2010-03-01T22:57:00.001-07:00

Spencer made this Valentine's Day (weekend) extra special. It was just a few days before my brain surgery and Spencer wanted to help take my mind away from it. He took me to a Bed and Breakfast! It was a lot of fun. He let me sleep a little bit Saturday morning after work and then we were off! He picked me up an edible arrangement, balloon, and teddy bear! It was awesome and I loved it! Then he took me to the Bed and Breakfast! We had a lot of fun eating and watching movies. It was very relaxing and just what I needed! Thanks hon! The Bed and Breakfast~well this was all ours~the guest house :)!

Spencer with my teddy bear!

Spencer playing a game!

The living room!

The upstairs...sorry it's sideways, not sure why, but can you see my balloon?!

My Edible Arrangement and teddy bear! Loved it!

I will post about my surgery next. Everyone took pictures (against my will) and Patti is putting them all together, so when I get them, I will post about "Our Miracle"...

Gotta love family!

2010-02-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here is Paysley at 2 weeks pregnant! Poor girl has been tired and not feeling too well. She always throws up around her 2 week mark. Hopefully she's done with that now because she is almost 3 weeks! Can't wait for the puppies!

Here's crazy Sash! Always curious!!!

And yes, her ears get cold too! Spencer and her are definitely a match made in heaven!

AND did I mention how much Sash loves me? Whenever I'm around, it's me she wants to cuddle with! Taking a nap on our way to pick up Paysley. Can you see my Chade on my lap?

Okay, can you spot all 3?! I love all our dogs and they all love me! This is a daily occurence when I'm home. No, I did not know Spencer was taking a picture. This was one of my Saturdays off and I fell asleep with my hand over my eyes because I'm not use to daylight and it was killing my eyes!

Spencer and I have had some fun times with my family lately! The Sunday after Christmas, my cute little nephew, Lucas, was blessed. My brother did such an amazing job! It was great to see them and to finally meet lil Lucas!

Here is all my siblings and I with my nieces and nephews minus my nephew Chance! Sure wish he was in this one because I love it!!!

This past Saturday, Elle got baptized. It was such a special day and I am so proud of her for making this great decision! I cannot believe she is 8! They are all growing up so fast...slow down~Aunt Jessie doesn't like it :)!Here is my beautiful mother with her parents and one of her sisters and her brother! It was great to see them all at the baptism! Love them all!!!

Here is my cute lil nephew Andrew! He is at such a fun age and Spencer and I just adore him. He only goes to a select few and I am proud to say we are in that category! He is such a daddy's boy, so Jen was worried he was going to throw a fit when Michael entered the water with Elle, but he was a calm boy sitting with us! AND did I mention it was him who farted during the prayer...it was so funny and he thought so too! Love him!!!

Two cute girls awaiting a special day to start!

After the baptism, Spencer and I spent the day with my family. My mom, Jen, Elle, Abby, Spencer, and I drove everywhere to try and find those darn zhu zhu pets! Abby's old one is broke (or lazy~talks, but don't move) so she wanted a new one and Elle wanted one that is hard to find and well I knew my dogs would have a hayday watching it move around the kitchen, so we had to find them! We did and all of us our happy! Those darn zhu zhu pets, haha! Then it was off to my nephew Gage's basketball game! He did such a great job! Every time he made a basket, he turned to us, with his finger in the air, soooo cute! Way to go Gage!

And of course the premadonna's at the game. I swear these girls are going to break some hearts!

2010-01-25T12:29:00.001-07:00

BRAIN SURGERY February 16th...heaven help me!

Don't look so shocked...

2010-01-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

THAT I UPDATED, haha! I cannot believe 2010 is here, how crazy is that? We had a lot of fun during the holidays~even though I had to work, but can I just say I loved it! It is so nice working graves because you make time and a half and still don't get to miss out on much, well sleep, but who needs sleep :)?!

Spencer is doing great! What an amazing husband I have! His work has kept pretty steady which is nice because if anyone knows Spencer, they know he LOVES to work. We bought a new king size sleep number bed for Christmas and Spencer made a BEAUTIFUL headboard for it!!!! He is so talented and I love it~ I think he does too:)! He is also in the process of putting casing up in our room with rope lights and making us matching night stands that go with the headboard and the jewelry armoir he made me almost two years ago! Spencer also still loves his dog! He has done soooo great with her! She is full blown potty trained and whines or runs to the door to let us know she has to go! Spencer also taught her to sit, stay, and come and she does that like a pro!!! She is also doing so well with the pheasant wing! Spencer is so proud and he has every right to be! When I got my job, Spencer and I needed to come to a conclusion about who was going to do what around the house since we both work full time. I said we could split up the cooking and cleaning and his face said it all! Spencer prefers to cook any day and I prefer to clean, so that was our conclusion. I wake up, workout, and at about that time Spencer is making dinner! It works out so perfect for us AND of course I am a clean freak, so I am ALWAYS cleaning. I deep clean once a week and it seriously takes 5-6 hours~no joke and then I do my daily cleaning every morning before I go to bed! Anyway, my point on that is Spencer has been so great because everyone (including him) have been after me to get more sleep, so this last week he has made sure the house is clean, so I won't feel my OCD need to clean it before I go to bed! It has been so GREAT!!!!

I am doing great too (with the exception of last week~I will get to that! I love my job and I now charge full time! I will be honest, there are some mornings I drive away in tears because my job is so stressful! It is hard coming out of nursing school and being in charge from anywhere to 35-45 patients all on my own! I do have a med nurse, but I call the shots! I have had many scary, adrenalin pumping events! BUT, if you know me, you know I love it that way! I think that's why I am in the position I am in. I hate sitting around and having a slow night. I would rather be running like a chicken with my head cut off! I have learned a ton! I have also met the most genuine person ever! Her name is Marci and she is a nurse that charges on the shift before me and works Tues-Thurs. She is everything I want to become and more! She is so beautiful on the inside and out! I LOVE HER! It is so HARD to meet a female who is genuine and that you can trust with your whole heart, but she is one! I love her advice and I look up to her so so so much! We laugh and cry together all the time! I am so glad I met her! Okay, so you're thinking what about that darn aneurysm, right? Okay! I was suppose to meet with the neurosurgeon Jan. 11th, but on the 7th, his office called and said we needed to move it to the 14th. I was having such a hard time with the anticipation of my appt, so pushing it back a few days literally made it worse. I literally had so much anxiety. I have never burned so many calories in my life (thanks to my body bugg for knowing that) and I had to always be moving or I would think about my aneurysm constantly. Last week I was a wreck! I was so nervous and filled with anxiety that I made myself have a bad cold! It was awful...I was so tired...I was so sick...and I was sooooo beat! My mom is so sweet and texts me every morning after work to make sure I don't have a headache and that I am getting my butt to bed:)! My mom really wanted to come to the neurosurgeon appt with me and Spencer, so it was so good to see her! The night before at work, Marci took me into a room and we both knelt down, held hands, and she said such an amazing prayer! It meant the world to me and then we cried together! What a great, caring friend! Spencer and I have been praying like crazy about it and we feel like surgery is the way to go, but the closer the appt came, the more I had doubts and fears! I know it was satan! I was scared to be on antiseizure meds after (it's a nurse thing) and yes, yes, to have my hair shaved! My sweet sisters made me feel a little better when they said just shave what you need to, not the whole head and then when it grows out an inch, we would put extensions in, genious! That helped with that, but yes, I was still nervous! Well Marci helped me come up with a list of questions to ask the Dr. She also thinks surgery is the way to go and trust me I rely on her opinion very much. So off to the Dr appt my mom, Spencer and I go! It was at 3, but we didn't see him until 4:30! My mom thought it was pretty funny when I said I hate Dr's offices! Then they called my name to come back and my heart literally felt like it was about to jump out of my chest! The Neurosurgeon came in, yes, the same one from last time. He is arrogant, but I have found out that he is the top neurosurgeon in Utah, so in my opinion, he has every right to be! My mom absolutely loved him! She just thinks he has a dry sense of humor and here's why~I know my prayers were answered because I was calm and didn't even have to look at our list of questions~heres this little nurse popping out questions like crazy and Dr. Mac Donald took the time to answer them and even drew pics for my mom and Spencer! But when we talked about my risks of monitoring it, my mom mentioned that I am a Type A personality and the Dr. looks at her and says "really, couldn't tell" yeah, haha! He cracks jokes like that, but I swear he sounds serious! Then I get to the BIG question when we talk about surgery~How much of my hair do I have to shave????? He looks at me and says, seriously, that's what you're worried about? Then he says NONE :) :) :)! I gasp out, REALLY, and he says, do you not believe a word I say because you always say REALLY! Just a happy girl with your answers, that's all Doc!! So yes, I do like him. Okay, so he said he wouldn't have to shave my head, but that he would make a silver dollar size incision by my hairline and remove part of the skull (don't ask me how that could be with the hair still intact, but I don't care!!!) He said the vessels are on the surface of the brain, so he wouldn't even have to go inside my brain (YES!!!). Then he says surgery would only last maybe 2 hours, be in the ICU for a night, and be at the hospital a total of 3-4 days. Then I pop another question at him~How long would I have to be on antiseizure meds and he said a week IF AT ALL! Okay, my prayers were answered! My biggest worries were the hair thing and being on those meds and he just calmed my fears. What a relief. When he said the hair thing, my mom got emotional and hugged me! She knew that would have been VERY HARD for me! He said at my age and at the health I am in, risks of surgery are just like 5%! I am liking those odds! AND if I just monitor it and I do have a bleed and make it in time for surgery, that surgery would be A LOT riskier! Also, if I monitor it, he said 1 in 100 bleed every year. I know that's only 1%, but my chances go up every year I have it and he doesn't know how long I have had it. He also said stress affects my aneurysm and I think right there my mom knew surgery was the right choice. My mom was just recently told of a story about a girl in college who was suppose to come home for Christmas, but told her mom she had a bad headache and was going to take a nap first. Then she calls her mom telling her that the headache was so bad that she had to go the the E.R. Well, that girl had an aneurysm she didn't know about and it had bled and it killed her! So scary!!! My mom just wants this thing gone! It is so crazy how I have heard so many stories about that! The Dr. wanted us to think about our decision a little more. I asked him the famous question "What would you do if it was your daughter" He said he hates that question and that he would support her in any decision. Duh, dr's can't tell ya that unless it is an emergency, I know, I just had to ask it! We also talked again about the risks of pregnancy with an aneurysm. I do not want to go down that road! I was also told of a story by a nurse I work with. A young couple going to BYU were having their first baby and the girl died during labor from a stroke due to an aneurysm and so poor new dad goes home all alone with new baby! Seriously, such a sad story! We talked to the Dr about having it done in February, possibly the second week of February. He didn't want to do it in 2 weeks because he's on call and he does not want to have me in surgery and be called to something else and that next week he goes on vacation and he said he doesn't want to do it before he leaves because he wants to be around after my surgery incase of any problem. What a great Dr! So, that's where we stand! My mom, Spencer, and I all feel so much comfort after getting our questions answered. What a testimony builder! AND did I mention my mom says she is going to stay with me the whole time? What else could a girl ask for?

Oh yeah, we are breeding Paysley this week! Yea, for more Shorkie puppies! Yes mom, I can handle the stress from that :)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

The cute Christmas card Patti came up for us!

My house with the lights on and can you see the snowman and reindeer? Spencer made that with my niece Emma and nephews Gage and Chance!

My front porch

our beautiful Christmas tree! We had one we used in our duplex and apartment, but it was small and one night I woke up before work and saw that Spencer had bought this beautiful tree! I was soooo happy!

My kitchen table~can't really see the decor, but I love it! We made the little glass blocks with snow and then a snowman candle on top...love it!

Yes, Jonas brothers is on in the background. Come on, you know you watch it too? Okay, my niece and nephews were watching it...really!

See I told you they were watching it, haha!

The love of Spencer's life! Okay, so she loves me too! I was at work and she missed me, so went into the closet and layed on my sweater! woot, woot!

I know, I know, I am the worst blogger ever and I apologize! I feel like my story is ongoing and so boring to blog about, but here goes! Spencer and I are doing great! Spencer got a hunting dog who we named Sash! She is a Brittany Spaniel and lets just say, she knows she is adored! We have had her for almost 3 weeks and I am pretty sure she is potty trained! She runs to the door when she needs to go! That was My Christmas gift to Spencer! Spencer takes her EVERYWHERE which means work, stores, YOU NAME IT! He loves his little dog! She is his first dog and he is doing great with her! I love watching them together! Every boy needs a dog! Okay, so I have been putting off my decision about my aneurysm~I mean who wants to think about their skull being drilled into or putting their life on hold to monitor the dang thing. One night I was at work and my tech was doing vitals, so I thought hmmm I haven't had my blood pressure taken for maybe 2 weeks (couldn't remember)! I sat there expecting it to be low like it ALWAYS is. I run low ranging in the 90's/60's! With an aneurysm, you want it low because if it is not, that is just more pressure shooting through that darn weak vessel. So anyway, I have no worry in the world until the numbers pop up on the blood pressure machine. It was in the 140's/90's and tears literally started to well up. I had a pt who I have become real close to, look at me and say~no, that's good (He has high blood pressure, so he likes to see it "that" low). I looked at him and with tears said I have an aneurysm! I know, real professional, but I couldn't hide my emotions. It was really hard on me. Then one of the Dr's walked in and saw me and pulled me aside to talk about my aneurysm. With tears I told him about my blood pressure. He then told me if it was high for the next three days, he would put me on something. What a great guy, I love him! Then I went home and cried to my husband and mom! We then checked my blood pressure from then on and it was back low! What the heck, talk about a wake up call! Everyone at work is leaning towards brain surgery because monitoring it would mean putting my life on hold~which means putting off having children and always worrying about things like my darn blood pressure. I know that was part of an answer to my prayers because I had just been putting it off. Right now, we are going to talk to the neurosurgeon about going ahead with surgery and maybe getting it done in January, so I can have my mom down here with me during it all. I will be honest, I don't want surgery! I like my hair and I don't want it shaved, I like my brain and don't want anyone in it, but when I think about the benefits, it outweighs the bad~well kinda~lets just not talk about shaving the hair~still a sensitive subject, but I got amazing sisters who are going to help me out with that issue.

Okay enough of that! I got to watch Patti's kids last weekend and it was a lot of fun! We played the wii, made a snowman and reindeer in all that snow we received, had McDonalds, watched Up, and oh yeah, played the Wii!

Here are some pics I am throwing in of my house! I love it! I love decorating, so here are some of my Christmas Decor! Oh yeah, and a pic of Sash!

What I am THANKFUL for...

2009-11-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year and I have been reflecting back on all the things I am so thankful for. My heart has been so full lately. I know Spencer and I are right where we need to be. It's always scary to think about the future, but it is so comforting knowing I will always have Spencer by my side! So, here is a list of what I am thankful for. My dad always asks at the Thanksgiving table so here goes:
~My husband! I am always told what a great man I have and I couldn't agree more!
~My marriage! I love everything about my marriage. Everything we have gone through has strengthened us. I KNOW I married my soulmate!
~The Gospel! I have always had a strong testimony, but since I started working, I worked Sat. nights and it was so challenging to make it to church. My schedule has now changed and I love sitting through church! I love listening to the lessons and feeling the spirit! You definitely don't know what you miss until it's gone! I am also thankful for the power of prayer, fasting, and priesthood! I have turned to all three in every challenge of my life and I ALWAYS come out a stronger person!
~My parents! My parents taught me about hard work and to NEVER give up. I wouldn't be an RN without their continous encouragement! It is so amazing to have parents believe that you can do ANYTHING! I love having a mom that I can call 24-7! I love that in my saddest times, she's the one I break down to and she's right there crying with me! I love having a Dad that is always asking how I can MAKE it better? If I have a problem, it's like Well Jess, what you gonna do about it? Talk about teaching your little girl to be tough and KNOW she can do anything! He told me a quote "Work like it depends on you and Pray like it depends on the Lord." What excellent advice!
~My sisters and my bro! We have always been so close. They can make me laugh hard and cry harder! They have always been my rock. They know when I'm upset and can always get the tears out of me! What a great feeling to be blessed with such great siblings who have been with me through it ALL!
~My Job! All I can say is WOW! I absolutely love my job! These last couple weeks I have not felt the greatest and everyone was always after me to take off work. I never could because I just didn't want to. Last night on my way to work, my heart was so full with the love I have for my job! The Lord knew exactly where I was needed and what I needed! It definitely has been a blessing and I think about it EVERY TIME I clock out and head home. Nursing is so rewarding and I love being apart of my patients' lives! I had the cutest patient who came up to me a week ago and said he wanted to read me a quote. It said "If you know WHY to live, you can bear all of HOW to live." Wow, how did he know I needed that?! Amazing!
~My home! I love having my own home with Spencer! I love that our home represents us! I love walking into our door every morning when I get off work! I am so thankful the Lord has blessed us with our home.
~My Grandpa! He is the most spiritual man I have ever known! My grandpa always has my best interest at heart and is ALWAYS there for me to talk to! He has been praying, fasting, and going to the temple for me since he found out about my aneurysm and has revealed amazing things to me. What a man of God!
~My nieces and nephews! I told Spencer I could take anyone of them and make them my own! I love them all that much! They have been over a lot and they make me want kids soooo bad! I love playing with them. I even told both my sisters that I want to have their kids for a weekend. Yes, I love them that much!
~My dogs! I have the two best house dogs in the whole world! They are so well behaved and I love it! They are so willing to sleep with me all day and be good even after they had just woke up from a nights sleep! I love that they have taught me and Spencer (mainly Spencer :) patience! I also just bought Spencer a hunting dog! I love that I can do that for him! I love that getting a Brittany Spaniel for him brings back a flood of fond memories of hunting with my dad and bro! I so look forward to watching Spencer hunt with our little boys! What a great hobby to look forward to!
~Good health! Yes, I have come to bumps in the road, but I am thankful for the knowledge of healthy living and that I have applied it to my life.
~my family and friends! Spencer and I have a great support system and we know we couldn't be more blessed!
~ Trials! I am who I am and where I am all because of TRIALS! What don't kill ya, definitely makes ya stronger!
~AND FAITH! Definitely a comforting feeling...ALWAYS!
~My blog friends! I mean who else would sit here and read what JESS is Thankful for?!
So here is my list in a shortened version, yes, shortened! Don't worry fam, I will keep it very short at the dinner table on Thursday:)!!!

And the saga continues

2009-11-18T06:58:00.000-07:00

I guess I will begin where I ended last. I went to my two doctor appointments. I love my obgyn and think he is the greatest, so it's always fun to chat with him. Conclusion~cysts probably caused by hormones. Then right after I go see the neurosurgeon (sorry, not a neurologist). He was a pleasant man! Yes, there is sarcasm in my voice! He talked to me about my aneurysm (He even said it could be caused by hormones~coincidence, huh, huh?!) and the several options we could take~All of them ending with "But there will be risks"~definitely something Spencer and I want to hear. I heard from my bro that statistically small aneurysms don't grow and rupture, but my pleasant Dr. said the same thing "statistically" but then he proceeded to say that he has seen it several times and that I can ask any neurosurgeon and they have also seen it. So, that was my risk on that. He also mentioned sticking a pigtail coil up there to strengthen the vessel, but then he said it could loosen into my blood stream and cause a stroke. I could also have brain surgery, but that is BRAIN surgery! Seriously, he didn't sugar coat anything! So, after all that, he said he wanted to make sure that this infact, is an aneurysm because the MRI wasn't a good enough picture for him~go figure! So, he ordered me to have an angiogram. I don't know why, but for some reason I was pretty nervous about it. I mean, playing around in my brain just freaks me out~I really hope I don't have to have brain surgery~FYI-I will be a wreck! This last Sunday I asked Spencer to give me a blessing and we invited my gpa, dad, and my sister's families to come participate. Pat and her family were sick, so we missed them. Anyway, Spencer gave me a beautiful blessing and then afterward I asked my dad to give me a Father's blessing. They both turned out great and were very comforting. It sure is great having the priesthood in our lives! I had my angiogram Tuesday morning and here is my story: They admit me in the Thoracic ICU~talk about freak a girl out! They hook me up to all these chest leads. The nurse putting them on me says that I am probably used to all this...um no! They then take me down to the cath lab. The Dr. performing my angiogram comes out and talks to me before it begins. He tells me there is another vessel towards the back of my head that he is also worried about that might be an aneurysm. Oh great, I start feeling the tears come! I guess I should have listened to my mom's many rants about not being so tough through all this. He then said people with an aneurysm have a 1 in 5 chance of having another. Great, wheel me in because I am definitely ready for this (sarcasm once again)! The nurses and Dr's in the cath lab were great. They gave me a tiny dose of Versed, numb my femoral artery and we were off! It felt like I was just getting an IV when they numbed my artery, FYI. I didn't feel it at all, but I did feel them go up my neck, so weird! The Dr. was great and said at different points that I would feel pain and tell me where, that I would get very dizzy, or that I would see flashing lights. It was definitely a weird feeling. Afterward, the Dr. was going to put a plug in my leg, but since I was small, they told the guys to just put pressure on it. Holy crap, I about died! It hurt so bad. I have these two stalky guys putting pressure on my poor leg! That was definitely the worst of it. I had to laugh because as they were feeling for blood, they felt my stomach muscles and they got everyone else back in there to feel it. I guess they don't see that often and that's exactly what they said. Their patients are usually overweight and old...yeah, I get it...old~ I have heard that before and yes I am just 26! The Dr told me that the thing they were worried about in the back of my head was totally fine, but I definitely had an aneurysm where the MRI said I did. They then took me back to my room. Spencer was there waiting for me with flowers and balloons, so sweet! They then said they wanted to watch me for the next four hours to make sure I didn't bleed out from my artery. My nurse was great and just a side not~he graduated from SLCC~haha, gotta love that school! Spencer and I were treated very well there! Now, we are just waiting to hear from my neurosurgeon to see if he wants to go ahead with surgery or monitor it. I know I have been mean about him, but I trust him and we have been praying that he will know the best way to take care of me! Thanks for all your prayers! They mean a lot!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY MOM! I definitely have the best mom in the whole world! She is my best friend and is ALWAYS there for me!!! She has taught me so much and even admitted yesterday it was her fault for teaching me to be so tough! Yes, and all us kids could tell ya that! She is a great example of strength. My mom never backs down when things get hard and has taught me that Spencer and I can do anything!!! I love you, mom!!!!

The worst week ever

2009-11-08T14:32:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to update my blog (I feel like everyone is playing the game TELEPHONE and my story changes all the time), but I was so sick to do so, until today! Here is my story...Monday about an hour after I had updated my blog, I got this horrible headache. I was so miserable. Tuesday morning I couldn't even get out of bed, so Spencer took my temp and I had a fever, so he took me back to the E.R. Now I was not only complaining of my cysts, but also my head. The Dr's thought it was weird, but whatever, they both killed. They put me through a CT Scan and of course found what they had found on my ultrasound~my cyst and the fluid. They also did one of my head and found a sinus infection. Now, I get those all the time, so it BUGGED the heck out of me when people said it was because of that my head hurt so bad~wrong! They then did a lumbar puncture on me. This is the worst thing I have ever been put through in my life! They had the intern practice on me (Yes, one of the dumb girls that treated me on Sunday). She went in and numbed it and then went in a totally different spot. I wanted to die. I could feel it ALL! I was shaking and sweating like crazy! The Dr. kept asking if I could feel it and then they tried a few more times. It was awful! I felt the whole thing and almost broke poor Spencer's hand. They even gave me morphine about the third time they tried, but I guess if you numb one spot and always go in a different one, I am going to feel it, common sense! I can't believe I let an intern practice on me. I thought I would be nice because heck, she needs to learn somehow right?! That was my thinking coming right out of nursing school, but never again! The Dr. even tried~I literally felt every nerve in my body going crazy and lets just say my pants became a little wet, no judging please, it was awful! Then they tried to tell me that some spines are fused together, so they would have radiology try. Oh great, not more torture! They then took me back. I was a little nervous because Spencer couldn't come back with me. They had me lay on my stomach and it only hurt when they put in the lidocaine to numb it and then it was smoothe sailing after that. Turns out I didn't have meningitis...thank goodness, but I had some Red Blood Cells in my spinal fluid which was most likely from all the poking and prodding they did to me. I had a lot in my first tube of fluid and by my fourth tube I still had some, but not as many, so they sent me home. Wednesday morning the ER Dr. called us to see how I was feeling. I wasn't getting any better and because of them, my back was killing me. The Dr said he was still worried about the blood in my spinal fluid and wanted me to go in for an MRI. About this time, I didn't care to see a hospital again, but my husband and mom demanded I go. At this point, I could barely walk and the radiology tech could tell and got me a stretcher to lay on while I waited...what an angel! Well, I went into the MRI~talk about the loudest machine ever! The whole time I was thinking about work and wishing I was there. Crazy, I know! After an hour of the fun noise, I walked out of the MRI and Spencer looked at me and said he just got off the phone with the Dr. and they had found a brain aneurysm from the MRI. Really, that fast?! I was told the results would take an hour or so. I seriously broke down into tears. I called my mom right away and could barely get out a word. I was so upset. My mom rushed down from Idaho right away. The ER doctor was working at a different hospital this time, so that is the one we went to for the MRI. Right after the MRI, he got me a bed in the ER and said he would transfer me back to the other hospital for a neurologist to check me out. So they did just that. I can now say I hate the ER. The Dr's and even the nurses are awful. If you say you're in pain, they act like you are drug seeking, I mean come on! My whole family showed up at the waiting room. I felt so bad they wouldn't let them back, but my mom, dad, Spencer, and even my Grandpa got to come back to see me. They were all so sweet to be there for me. After hours of being ignored and only getting a couple mgs of Morphine, the Dr came in and said I wouldn't have to be admitted because the aneurysm is small and not life threatening at this time, but that I needed to get an appointment with the neurologist asap to have it monitored. I was so glad to get the heck out of there. Spencer would agree! My mom came back home with me and helped Spencer take care of me. The next morning, she went to Walmart and spoiled me with two pairs of fleece pj's, a fleece blanket, a bunch of magazines, and Season 5 of Grey's Anatomy; not to mention, Subway breakfast! Then anytime I would sit up or stand, I would get this excruciating pain in my head. It felt like my head would explode. I was soooo miserable! My work sent me beautiful flowers which were so nice of them. I am having the hardest time missing work! They are awesome and call me all the time to check up on me and told me to take as long as I need~I'm hoping to get back tomorrow. Okay, so back to my rampage. My sister, Pat, had googled Lumbar puncture and thought that is why I was having my excruciating pain and read about a blood patch where they take my blood and patch up the hole from my lumbar puncture. Spencer was awesome and got me in right away. They then come to put my IV in (My 6th IV this week) and tell me they have to do a Lumbar Puncture to put the blood back in. I about died, but it only hurt numbing it and then I was fine! The Dr was great and I really liked him. He then said I might have to come back for a couple more, but today is Sunday and I am feeling better. I don't get my excruciating pain and my back isn't as sore. Tomorrow I get to see my OBGYN and the Neurologist. So yeah, I have a small aneurysm in my left internal carotid artery. I included some pics for those who aren't familiar with the human body. The neurologist is going to monitor it. I've heard that chances of it growing and becoming worse aren't that good. I sure hope so because I can't imagine having a stroke this young. My family and Spencer have been so great! I couldn't ask for better! Okay, so now you know why it has been the worst week ever! AND if you think this post is confusing...Great, confusion is a side effect of a stroke...and I apologize :)

Our weekend

2009-11-02T12:19:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I had a great Halloween. We didn't dress up or anything like that...darn it, but who has the time? Definitely when we have kids. Anyway, I was so excited for our trick or treaters! We didn't get any at our apartment and I knew in our cute lil neighborhood we would~ I was right! It was so much fun! Our neighborhood was even featured on the news! We made my mom's tradition of chili and cinnamon rolls! Then I had to go to work. At about midnight, I was helping a patient and then all of a sudden I felt one of my cysts burst. I about died~yes of the pain, but also the embarrassment. When I have a cyst burst, I can't walk straight, I have to literally hunch over. I took some meds, but nothing was helping. My med nurse and tech were great and I am so glad they were working with me. I then got a sharp pain that would not go away. I am not one to call in sick or go home, so I tried to tough it out all night. It was hard especially with the extra hour due to Daylight Savings. I then got home and once I saw Spencer I just broke down into tears. Trust me, I am not a cryer. My mom always knew I was really sick when tears started flowing~I guess Spencer has learned the same thing. He took me into the ER. They got me in pretty quick, but I just gotta say my nurse and Dr's were worthless. My nurse went to put in my IV and forgot to hook everything up beforehand and once he got the needle in, blood was squirting everywhere because he forgot the rest. I looked at poor Spencer's face when this was going on. I thought he was going to pass out, but boy was Spencer great! He always treats me like a princess and this time was no exception! I don't know why, but I was shaking and chattering like crazy. Spencer kept getting me warm blankets and wrapping me up, but he felt bad because I kept on doing it. I think it was the morphine and the fluids they were putting into me. I then had to go in and get an ultrasound. Spencer was right there helping me out and watching the ultrasound. He could tell I was in pain and then came up to my head and began rubbing it. I definitely have the best husband in the world! He told me he absolutely hates seeing me sick in the hospital. I guess that serves him right for taking me in (jk), I refused as best I could, but he won! Anyway, I have a huge cyst on my left ovary and a lot of fluid on my right which was from the bursting. I guess I am just frustrated because my dr's were young females (don't get me wrong, that's not why I wasn't a fan) and they didn't know anything about how to help me. I had to suggest which labs to draw and the ultrasound. They then said they would send me home with Lortab and when I said that doesn't help me, they mentioned I could take OTC pain meds, duh! I was so frustrated and Spencer was too. My dad and step mom were there, so dad and Spencer could give me a blessing and my step mom asked questions and yes, they thought they were worthless too. Anyway, that's our update. We are frustrated and looking into seeing a specialist. These are not normal and very common like one of the dr's said, but guess what, she has never had them~Yeah, not that common! Oh yeah, my lab results came back on my mole and not cancerous! Trust me, other than this, I am perfectly healthy...knock on wood!

Interested in vinyl lettering?

2009-10-26T23:23:00.000-06:00

Check out my new blog at vinylbysjh.blogspot.com. We have a fun machine and my husband is awesome at building the signs...

A Blog Slacker

2009-10-13T12:47:00.000-06:00

Yes, I have turned into one of those...a blog slacker! I really have been so busy, running like a chicken with my head cut off~it's crazy! Here's a rundown of my schedule~sleep anywhere from 9-11am to 5-7pm, workout, eat dinner, if I am lucky-watch a show with my hubby, take the dogs on a walk, and then off to work from 11pm to 8am. I absolutely love my job, so I am definitely not complaining. Nursing is amazing and I can't believe how much I love it, love what I do, love my pt's, and love my coworkers~well most of them, haha! Another reason I haven't blogged is I am waiting to download pics of my house, but my dear husband is a camera hog and takes it to work with him every day. He makes cool things and so of course he needs to capture them on film...I get that. Okay, so this whole post was to talk about what's been going on, so here goes...My birthday was awesome! Spencer invited a lot of my family out to our house for cake and ice cream. Only a couple of them had seen our house, so it was fun to show them all! Side note: I love my new house! I love cleaning it! I love decorating it! Spencer spoiled me for my bday! I got a lot of fun things, not to mention CLOTHES and A BODYBUGG! I can't get enough of this thing! It is so much fun! Yes, I am an addict! I tell so many people about it and they all want one...hmm, maybe I should go into selling these things! Anyway, my mom did so much for Spencer and I while I was in fun ol' nursing school, so I really wanted to get her one and Spencer agreed. We went to Idaho this past Sunday and we gave it to her! She loved it! I don't know who was more excited! It is so fun to have someone to talk about it with and compare! Anyway, I had to go to Idaho because awhile back ago, I noticed this weird looking thing on my arm. Spencer says that was back when I was in school, but honestly I have the worst memory lately and do not remember! I kind of blew it off and then one night at work I thought I would show my fellow nurse and right away she said to get that thing checked. I then showed a few Dr's I worked with and they said the same thing~Get that thing checked. So, I told my mom about it and my mom got me in to see her Dr. in Idaho. There was no messing around with my mom. When I told her I wasn't going to make it to Idaho, I got a text in all CAPS saying if I didn't, she would be down to bring me up. Spencer and I thought we just won't mess with mom and go, haha! Moms know best, right?! Well the Dr definitely did not like the color. It was black, a little smaller than the edge of an eraser, with a line growing out the side. The Dr. cut it out. It was as deep as full skin thickness~ouch and don't get me started about the huge hole in my arm. He was telling me he would send it to the pathologist and the results would be back in a week...and I'm concerned about this hole in my arm and hoping it won't cause a scar? Anyway, my mom has a good feeling that it's not cancerous, so I am going off of that because moms DO know best, right?

Derek's 'lil boy is here!

2009-09-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

Congrats DK and Holly! He is so cute and I can't wait to meet him. I don't know all the details except he was born today and weighs 8.5lbs! You know how guys are, they don't give you all the fun details! Yea, another nephew!

Work, inappropriate comments, fair, and my party...I think that sums it up!

2009-09-20T23:49:00.000-06:00

Where do I begin? I have not written for awhile because I have been so busy! This last week was no exception! I have been promoted as charge nurse and love it! I really enjoy conversing with the Drs. I even had one suggest that I go on and become one~we'll see. I have so many fun stories from work. It is a great place to be and I have made so many friends! I love the people I work with~I definitely am where I'm suppose to be~crazy how that works! I also love my patients~I have had quite a few pts wanting to talk to me about life and them wanting to end it. It makes me so sad, but I love talking to them and making them feel better. It has helped me have such an appreciation for my life and the decisions we have made. I even have funny pt's that think they can be inappropriate. I have had one tell me to leave my husband for him, and he would make the loudest noises as I would walk by and he would be checking out my hind end. Gross, I know. I feel like I am always telling my pt's that is inappropriate! I have also had one grab my waist, another tell me his fantasies about me and thinking I must have been a cheerleader with my personality, um no! Then last night a pt asked me out to dinner the day he leaves and the whole nursing station heard it. Awkward and once again I had to say No and that he is being inappropriate! My husband gets a kick out of my stories! I also almost had a nervous breakdown last night~ I felt so sick and almost called in sick. I had already worked about 50 hours this week, but I just couldn't call in sick. The nurse before me had totally messed up everything! My tech was so happy to see me when I walked in because that nurse was driving him crazy! She had messed up on meds, didn't sign out the narcotics, wrote down wrong orders on three different pt's med sheets, AAAH! And to top it off, pt's were mad at her and all wanted to talk to me about it. Who was I for hoping for an easy night? Oh well, I now have a couple days off (hoping I don't get called in like usual:) and they are well needed! I miss my husband so much, one good thing is when we're together we can't get enough of each other! I rather enjoy that part! I also got to go to the Utah State Fair and see my fam show horses and my mom came out to see our new house! I had so much fun and enjoyed showing it to her! My mom is one of my biggest inspirations and it feels so good to hear her say how proud she is~definitely makes it worth it! My birthday is in two weeks and I am having a party at my house!!! Yes, that's what I said~I need a life too, haha! Everyone's invited!

Life is good!

2009-08-31T17:08:00.000-06:00

I have been at my job for almost two weeks now and love it! It was one of the smartest things I ever did becoming a nurse~ maybe my family thinks so too! My sisters and mom call me all the time on medical questions (don't worry, I love it, so keep the questions coming). I worked days for a few times and now I am at graves. I actually love graves! The pay is so much higher and I am kept constantly busy during my shift! I am training to be the charge nurse. It is kinda scary and exciting knowing I will be the one that calls the shots at night. Spencer was so sweet and bought me "black out" curtains, so that I can sleep during the day! It has worked wonders and I have been sleeping so good! Not to mention, my poor dogs won't sleep at night when I am gone, so they sleep so good with me! Spencer is doing great at his job and loves it! He is such a hard worker and has treated me like a princess with my change in schedule. I asked him to please get home by 4pm on Friday since it was my night off. He walked into my "dark" room at 3:30pm while I was still laying down~best feeling ever! AND if you know Spencer, that just does not happen~being on time that is, lol! It is crazy to think where we were for the past two years and where we are now~a major 180 degree turn. The Lord definitely has a plan for us and I am glad we stuck it out when things got hard!

The cutest second graders I know!

2009-08-22T10:10:00.000-06:00

How cute are my nieces? I cannot believe they are in the 2nd grade! Time sure flies! I love this picture. It is so cute! Elle and Emma truly are best friends & act so grown up (haha, my sisters are going to have to watch out). I can just tell these girls are going to be heartbreakers :)!

After 1 month of agony...

2009-08-17T14:07:00.001-06:00

I am employed! What a journey this has been. When I first started nursing school, we were told that getting a job was EASY and that there would be sign on bonuses, etc. etc. etc! Well with this economy, luck was definitely not on our side. It has been really hard for us nursing grads to find jobs. All the hospitals won't hire anyone unless they have atleast ONE year of experience. Did I say hospitals? I meant everyone! When people would ask about the current situation, I would tell them that AND everyone would say Well, how can you get experience if no one will hire you?! EXACTLY! My testimony definitely has grown even more within this last month. Trials definitely make a person stronger. Anyway, I prayed one morning and decided to look on the internet for jobs and out of the blue I came across one and it just had an email to contact. I emailed my resume and cover letter and the lady wrote back to tell me she received it. That was back in June, I think. After I passed my NCLEX, I had a feeling to email them again, but to tell them I passed the NCLEX and was now registered. They emailed me back and said they would send it to Corporate. Then the Nurse Manager called me for an interview and when I went in, I got the job! So exciting! I am now an RN for Highland Ridge Hospital. It is a psych facility. I love when I tell people that because for some reason they picture it a 100 times worse than it is. It isn't. Infact, it will be an awesome job. My patients will consist of substance abusers, rehabers, and people with depression, eating disorders, etc. We even get celebrities since there are only 4 of these hospitals in the U.S. Pretty cool! I am starting out on graveyard, so it'll be easier to learn. The nurse manager said she wants to train me to become the Charge nurse, way cool! This has definitely been a blessing in disguise! I absolutely loved my psych class and clinicals, but it wasn't my first choice of work. The Lord knew what was best for me at this time though. I know I will definitely learn and grow in this field. It is amazing and the starting pay is over $5.00 more than anywhere else! I am very thankful for this opportunity! I am so ready for what lies next in our lives! It is such an amazing time for us AND Spencer couldn't be more thrilled. Infact, I think he said my new job definitely makes the last two years worth it! Should I be worried he said it with a smirk on his face, lol?!

Putting life into perspective

2009-08-12T10:43:00.000-06:00

PLEASE PLEASE get this to as many people as you can. Ron, Jed, and Jordan Mingo were tragically killed in a plane wreck last weekend. Jordan left a beautiful wife and 3 wonderful kids, ages 4, 2, and 3 months. A trust fund for Jordan's kids has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank. To donate please contact any Wells Fargo Bank and reference the Mingo Family Fund. Lets help these kids!! We miss you Ron, Jed, and Jordan!

Here is the story...
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=7496744

You can also visit their blog at wherearethemingos.blogspot.com

My heart really goes out to the Mingo family. It has re-opened my eyes and put life into perspective. My thoughts and prayers are with them.

Weekly recap

2009-08-03T23:51:00.000-06:00

Wow, this last week has been busy! Spencer and I left for Idaho Monday night to see Spencer's brother, Shayne return from his mission. Tuesday morning we drove to Twin to see Shayne fly in. It was so good to see him! I wish I had pictures, but we forgot our camera...oops! Then we had to come back Tuesday night, so Spencer could work Wednesday and Thursday. Then Thursday night it was back to Idaho. Spencer had an uncle pass away, so we made it for his funeral Friday morning. It was a nice funeral. We will really miss Uncle Bill! Saturday we hung out at Spencer's parent's house and all the guys played football in a flooded lawn. It was fun to watch them. I even got some sun :)! Spencer even took me to my favorite restaurant...awhh! Then Sunday after church we came back home. First, we stopped at our apartment to pick up Spencer's Altima (Yeah, our very unlucky car). When Spencer got in, he got stung by several wasps~somehow they had made a hive right in the door. Poor Spencer, but what a great way to end our days at the apartment! We just never had good luck there! Anyway, It was good to come back to our new house. It definitely feels like home! Now I am finishing up my last two rooms with painting and decorating...then it's back to Idaho on Friday for Shayne's homecoming! This month is going to be busssssyyyy!

Everyone calls you AMAZING...Yeah, I just call you MINE!

2009-07-30T10:30:00.000-06:00

(Turn up the volume)
I heard this song and it totally reminded me of Spencer! Spencer is amazing and anyone who knows him, knows I am right! He is such a hard worker and is friends with everyone! I love Spencer so much! I can honestly say we are more than husband and wife, we are best friends! We've gone through so much together and I can't imagine going through it with anyone else. He definitely is my world!

First day of yard work!

2009-07-24T17:07:00.000-06:00

We don't believe in having our lights on...don't ya know it cost money? Atleast that's what I was ALWAYS told growing up, haha!

Here is my man telling me how much he loves me... or telling me to go inside while he does this part of the yard.

Coming in to get a plastic bag and he said I could come back outside :)

Spencer had today off of work due to Pioneer Day! How did we celebrate? We did yard work! It was quite fun (for me, the photographer :) Our backyard is full of weeds. Someday we will plant grass and definitely put in a fence for the dogs. The 3 walks a day can be brutal in the heat (Yes, my dogs are extremely spoiled)! The yard looks a lot bigger without the weeds. We are excited for our future backyard! Oh and there is one picture taken from my kitchen, so you can see some of our decor! I'm not completely finished with decorating. I just need a few little things and then pics will be posted. I know, the anticipation is killing me too, lol!

Our house...we love it!

2009-07-22T10:26:00.000-06:00

Here's a better picture of the outside of our house. We absolutely love it and feel so blessed to have this as our first home. Now since we are all moved in, well maybe a little further into the future, I plan to give this yard some TLC! We plan on planting flowers, putting a railing around the porch, and of course my favorite~ putting a flower planter on the front window! More pics to come...

Moving Adventures

2009-07-18T22:28:00.001-06:00

We are now in our new house! We had to wait another week to close which worked out perfectly because it was the day after I found out I passed my test! Thursday night Spencer and I moved most of the boxes. Then Friday my awesome sister, Patti, came over and helped me paint the walls. It was fun and if I must say so myself, they look pretty sharp! Then at about 1:30am Saturday morning, we finally had all our stuff (big, heavy stuff) moved in. This morning Patti came over again to help me decorate. It was so much fun even though I was so exhausted (studying for and taking the Nclex and then moving has really taken a toll on me). Anyway, thanks Pat for helping me decorate. I totally love it and it feels so much like home! Don't worry, pics are definitely on the way...I just need to find our camera in one of the boxes we still have left to unpack. Can I just say I am not a fan of moving?! I am sure glad I could live in this house forever if we wanted. Anyone in for a party?!

The light has finally come...Jessica Halford RN!!!

2009-07-14T21:28:00.000-06:00

I am in huge shock right now! I just found out I passed the NCLEX-RN! I took it yesterday and they told me it would take 4 weeks to get the results, seriously? I about died! I then found out that DOPL would post it soon, so when I looked tonight, there was my name as a Registered Nurse~best feeling ever! It has been one of the hardest two days waiting, wondering, and picturing those darn questions in my head over, over, and over again! It was a brutal test to say the least. I was one of the "lucky" ones who got a lot of SELECT ALL THAT APPLY questions. You have to select the correct amount to have it marked correctly, there is no partial credit. It was not fun! The morning of my test, I was a complete zombie. I woke up, watched Spencer workout and then sat on the couch until I had to workout before I took my test. Thank goodness for working out...I definitely meant the words in my last post! Just before I took my test, I told Spencer waiting for this test (and even after) was the worst feeling ever! I am not kidding. Anyone who has done something like this in their lives will definitely relate. These last two years have been sooo tough for Spencer and I! I am so thankful for the Gospel in our lives. I definitely could not have done this without Spencer and the Lord on my side. My testimony has grown even stronger! Spencer was so sweet and left a sweet, sweet letter in my drawer for me to find right before my test. It literally brought tears to my eyes! I love you, Spencer! Thanks for being my rock! WE DID IT!!!!

I swear by it :)

2009-07-08T17:18:00.001-06:00

Yes, I am talking about working out! It all began when I was in Junior High, High School where I started to see what working out did to my mom, so I joined and of course to get in shape for basketball...good ol' basketball, sigh! It has been apart of my life ever since. It helped so much during nursing school and helped me think 100 x better when it came to taking tests. This last week I have really seen how it helps me in every aspect! I come from an anxiety infested family? Don't believe me? Have you met my family, haha j/k...or am I?! I think that is why we all workout. It totally helps. As I have been studying for the biggest test of my life, I have studied a lot of anti anxiety drugs, antidepressants, etc...It is so crazy to think how those little pills come along with tons of side effects and I thought to myself, wow, working out does the same thing, if not 10x better, without crazy side effects, but GREAT ones! I will definitely be a nurse who encourages exercise instead of or maybe as an adjunct to pills. I'm not putting down people who take them (I've even thought about it on my craziest days), I'm just saying give exercise a try. I'm a spaz (ask Spencer) and working out HELPS, I swear by it :).

Our new house!!!

2009-07-03T11:34:00.000-06:00

This is our new house! We thought it was funny to put that other house in our last post as a decoy! Yeah, we make ourselves laugh...a lot! We move into this house next week and we are so excited. This house is so perfect for us! It is definitely an answer to our prayers. We found this house the EXACT day it was listed with my step mom's help! She definitely knows what she is doing (she's a realtor :) Thanks Raelynne for finding this for us! Don't mind the clutter on the front porch. It is NOT ours and will NOT look like this when we move in! I am not a fan of clutter...I repeat...I am NOT a fan of clutter! Okay, so there is only two chairs and flowers on there, but still :)

Livin the American Dream...

2009-07-01T09:07:00.000-06:00

That's right, we are buying a house and we are soooo excited! I definitely was not joking when I said in a few posts back that we wanted to move! Our new house is so perfect for us right now. AND did I mention we are so excited? Apartment~goodbye...forever (haha gotta love Friends)!

Tribute to MJ

2009-06-26T14:44:00.001-06:00

I was sad to hear the passing of Michael Jackson. I mean, what is a childhood without his songs?! I remember several times my sisters turning up his songs and we all danced. Yes, with hairbrushes...we were cool! Turn up your volume to hear some of my fav. songs from the King of Pop! If you are on facebook, look at my videos...my sister Jen, does a great job singing his song "Beat It" hehe!

Tribute to MJ Part II

So to begin, I will start with our night. Spencer and I are saving money by being creative~well hanging out at home! We watched Friends just as we do every night. On the show, Rachel ate a cookie, so at around midnight, I thought hmm I want a cookie (yes, this show influences us in the wrong wayyyy). Now giving me a cookie is like giving me an ounce of alcohol (never tried it, but I have no doubt). I walked over to the computer and turned up my MJ songs from the blog and started dancing. Spencer casually watched until his cookie kicked in and he joined me! It was so much fun! We busted our moves to "Man in the Mirror." I am pretty sure we have a whole routine down (I'm thinking we missed our calling~our parents would be so proud :) AND I am sure MJ had a good smile...did I say smile? I meant laugh! Awhh I love my husband and the crazy, fun things we do for entertainment!

What has the world come to?

2009-06-21T20:46:00.001-06:00

Friday night Spencer and I thought we would jump in the truck and head to Smiths to get a Redbox movie. We also brought Pays and Chade along~they needed out of the house as well. We pull into the parking lot and a kid, maybe 18, came up to our window. We rolled it down and he asked if our dogs were shih tzus. He then told us about his shih tzu and even showed us a picture off his phone. After chatting about how great the dogs are, he tells us in a nonchalant way, that his car ran out of gas down the road just a little bit ago and he's trying to gather up change to help him out. It seemed harmless and we gave him a buck. Then seconds after this kid left, a Smith's worker came to our window and asked if he was asking for money. He then proceeded to tell us that kid has been there all day doing it and he then went and told him to leave. We then watched him walk across the street to Albertsons where I'm guessing he did it there. Being the natural detective that I am, I said lets go see if his car is where he said it was. Well, nope, and thank goodness we were only out a buck. It is so sad how some people go to extreme measures in these difficult times. I guess that's when you tell the true measure of a person.

At a crossroads...

2009-06-11T22:31:00.000-06:00

We are going to make our blog private...again. I took it off so my parents could get into it (not quite tech savy) and I forgot to put it back. Spencer and I have reached a crossroads in our life and as things come our way I would prefer to share details in private. If you already gave me your address, great, but if you haven't please do so. I would love to see who else is looking at our blog. Thanks guys...and girls:)

Updated pics of shorkie litter #2

2009-06-07T23:04:00.000-06:00

~Busy, Busy, Busy~

2009-06-03T23:55:00.001-06:00

For more than a week, Spencer and I have been running ragged. This past weekend we went to Idaho to pack up the rest of our stuff from our cute 'lil duplex in Idaho. We laughed when we saw how big, nice, and cute our first home was. It was so much fun living in Idaho! We miss it! Anyway, sorry for the rambling, we spent all weekend loading it up and then when we came back here, we had to unload it. We had fun though. We find that we can entertain ourselves quite easily. We also found that we would give any other couple a run for their money when it comes to stuff like the Newlywed Game. We seriously know each other so well! This week I have been helping Spencer with work. He is a manager over a company and today I had to help him install insulation for one of his workers. Talk about blood, sweat, and tears...Okay, maybe not tears, but it was hard work. First off, I was dressed in my husband's dirty, baggy, work clothes along with my bottom scrub pants from school (I knew they would be put to good use). I also had to wear goggles and a mask. It was an awful feeling. Then I had to load huge bags of insulation that weighed a ton into some machine. Spencer said it didn't go fast, but he was wrong. I think he was trying to make me feel better about working for him, but once the machine started, I knew he was a big, fat liar! I worked my butt off~too bad there is no pictures of me covered in sweat and insulation with my eyes bright red from irritation~just this picture that Spencer had to get of my arm. Both my arms are so sore! I am sure the home owners had a good laugh at me, probably because they watched this crazy girl running in the back of a truck with insulation blowing everywhere. Well, there's an update. Can't wait to be a nurse and I feel soooo bad for the people that work under Spencer. Now it is midnight and I still have to study. It has been a long day!

We are moving...

2009-05-26T21:38:00.001-06:00

Yes, that is right, we are moving and I don't know where! We have had the worst luck in these darn apartments! We walked out to the parking lot tonight and noticed someone had stolen a tire off our car. Seriously? We have the worst luck, but hey guess what, they put a donut tire under it, so it wouldn't fall or whatever! And guess what, if we don't fix it, it will get towed. Seriously, we are done, done, done with this place. So, to sum up, we will be house hunting because we are just sitting targets at this place. Lets see what has all happened to us here: 1-we live below a drunk guy who gave us crap the first year we lived here (I swear one day he is going to be about dead on the stairs and I have told Spencer I WILL NOT resuscitate his butt~you know what I mean). 2-I was here studying with my friend and a guy knocks on our door claiming to be police. I looked at the window and he had a knife looking thing in his hand while he is banging on my door and window while trying to look thru the blinds (No, he was not police by the way, the real police came later). 3-Our car gets stolen. Yes, we do find it, but everything is gone inside including all Spencer's tools, IPOD, camera, and yes, keys to both our cars. 4- I get hit on numerous times by weirdos nearby~ I even had a guy try to hang around me while doing laundry. Seriously, I was covered in sweat from my recent workout. Some guys are freaks! 5-I take Chade & Paysley out potty at 3am and a guy dressed all in black is walking briskly from parking lot to parking lot~ Yes, Paysley barked at him like crazy and it was scary! It then happened a few days later, but now he had more partners in crime. Don't worry, I no longer take them out that late!!! 6- Now to the present day~a tire is taken from our car, but don't forget the nice gesture of the donut tire underneath. Yes, the cops know us well around here! Infact, they are on their way (Could it be a good thing my dad is the Judge? One might think!) If you think we live in a creepy place, you could be surprised, no one else around us has EVER had a problem. Go figure!

Do you drink from water bottles...listen up!

2009-05-21T20:46:00.000-06:00

Cancer Update from Johns-Hopkins

Bottled water in your car is very dangerous!

On the Ellen show, Sheryl Crow said this is what caused her breast cancer. It has been identified as the most common cause of the high levels of dioxin in breast cancer tissue.

Sheryl Crow's oncologist told her:
women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.The heat reacts with the chemicals in the plastic of the bottle which releases dioxin into the water. Dioxin is a toxin increasingly found in breast cancer tissue. So please be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car. Pass this on to all the women in your life.

This information is the kind we need to know that just might save us! Use a stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle instead of plastic!LET EVERYONE WHO HAS A WIFE / GIRLFRIEND / DAUGHTER KNOW PLEASE!This information is also being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center ....

No plastic containers in microwave.

No water bottles in freezer

No plastic wrap in microwave.

A dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer.

Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic

bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard.

He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.

He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers...

This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat,=2 0and plastic releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body...

Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic

containers for heating food... You get the same results, only without the dioxin.

So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc.,

should be removed from the container and heated in something else.

Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper.

It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.

He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away

from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons...

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran wrap, is just as dangerous when

placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high

heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food.

Cover food with a paper towel instead.

Seriously?

2009-05-20T13:50:00.001-06:00

I have come to the conclusion that I hate the saying "Good things happen to good people." I think that is the biggest load of you know what! Seriously? Who in the right mind would say such a thing? Maybe people should realize that bad things happen to even better people. Yeah, I like that one much better. I mean trials are based on strengths, right? Anyway, for all those who have gone through hard times, I am sure you will understand right where I am coming from. Now, Spencer and I are not ones to complain or expect a handout and we know we are in control of our own attitudes (my new saying lately) BUT, we definitely dont need to hear that dumb quote. Why this venting...well, Spencer was in a car wreck this morning, so that call ruined my day. The end...

sJh UpDaTe

2009-05-19T19:28:00.000-06:00

Here's some more pics from graduation~thanks to my friend Lori (She is the one with me in the pics). Jen has some too...infact, she probably has the most, so when I get those I will post them!

Yes, this picture made the Salt Lake Tribune! When we were in line outside waiting to walk in, all us nursing grads were well, being ourselves, haha! We finally told the other grads that we are RN's and then they totally understood!!!!

Oh, I forgot to tell ya what's on my cap! My sisters made this cute lil flower to put on it, so they could find me in the huge crowd. I thought they were crazy at first, but turns out it was genious!

I just realized I haven't blogged for almost 2 weeks~so unlike me! So here's a little update ~ After graduation we headed up to Idaho to spend time with my mom and for Spencer's cousin's farewell. We had so much fun! We miss Idaho so much! We spent the weekend at my mom's. It was so fun to workout early with my mom before she went off to work (Yes, I admit, I wasn't a fan hearing her come down the stairs that early, haha). It was a blast though. Spencer and I laughed when we realized both our eye dr's and fav. restaurant are there, along with the dog's groomer and vet!!! I guess there's no place like home! Now that we are back home, we are both keeping busy. Spencer has a great job and is either on the phone or doing paper work! I don't mind sharing him because he's such a great worker which is much needed out in the work field these days. As for me, I have been working on my nursing license application. Who knew it was a long process...and I thought I was done jumping through hoops, geesh! When that is all lined up, I can take the NCLEX and get a job! For now I will still be studying...for the NCLEX!

Pinning Ceremony & Graduation!!! Time of my life!!!

2009-05-08T17:26:00.000-06:00

My Pinning Ceremony for just us graduating nurses was held Thursday night! It was a lot of fun and of course I had my fan club!!! Here I am with my 3 favorite girls! ...and here's my new haircut! I love it and have had sooo many compliments! My sisters sure know how to do hair!

Here I am sitting with one of my fellow classmates. We are patiently waiting for the program to start!

My fan club...Abby, mom, Elle, and Emma!

Me and my mom!

Me with my beautiful sisters!!!

Here I am at SLCC Graduation. We are in line waiting to make an entrance!

Here I am...somewhere!

My friend is the one with her hands up and I am the one getting ready to walk up to her. About 3 seconds after this pic was taken, we let everyone know how thrilled we were!

Here are my cute nieces and nephews waiting for me to come out of graduation, so they can give me all these flowers...how sweet!

My mom with the kids and my grandparents!

My dad with Chance!

Here I am with my beautiful sisters again!

Here I am with Chance & Gage! They wanted to wear my honors stuff, so I let them :)

Me with my nieces! They also wanted to wear my honors stuff! This picture definitely shows how exhausted I am! I can barely keep my head up after this 2 year nursing program!

Me with my rock! I love ya Spencer!

Here I am with my husband and inlaws!

And here we are again! It's not the same picture...look at the flag :)

Here I am with my WONDERFUL parents! I couldn't have done it without them! If you are wondering what they have around them...well let me tell ya~ When we graduate we wear Gratitude stoles! I bought 4 and wore them during graduation. After, I presented one to Spencer, my dad, my mom, and my grandparents. The stole of Gratitude represents those who have stood by us and helped us through this journey! They are all so deserving of it! I love you all!

And another one :)

Cute 'lil Emma in my cap! Future grad!!!

Gage in my honors cords! He was so cute...when I walked out of graduation, he ran up and gave me a pink rose! Thanks bud!

Chance being the cute lil guy that he is!

Thanks to everyone who came! It was so much fun. It was an emotional, wonderful day and I am glad I got to share it with all of you!

I am done with nursing school...talk about mixed emotions!

2009-05-06T11:35:00.000-06:00

I had my last final this morning! Words cannot express the feelings I have! I am either extremely happy or on the verge of tears (I think we all know it's not because I will miss the program:) Life is going to be a little strange because after two years, my life has totally changed! I am so excited for my pinning ceremony and graduation and having most of my family there! It has been an experience I will never forget and am so grateful I stuck to it. What don't kill ya definitely makes ya stronger! Spencer, thanks for everything!!! Holy cow, I could not have done it without you!!!

Patti, thanks for doing my hair, I LOVE IT!!!

I love being an aunt!

2009-05-04T14:06:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Abby! I can't believe you are 5 today! I love ya and can't wait to come to your party!!!

My cute 'lil nephew has been up at Primary Children's Medical Center for the last few days due to having streptococcal pneumonia. He is such a brave 'lil boy! I love ya bud~get feeling better!

And so my puppies go...

2009-04-26T22:19:00.001-06:00

What a sad day for me! I hate the days when the puppies go to their new homes. That is the only bad thing about breeding Paysley. Everything else is a breeze! They turned out so cute and were so popular. I am so glad I sold them to great families! They all agreed to send me updated pics :)

So for an update on Spencer and I~I am sure you are all wondering, lol!

Spencer got a new job installing insulation in Salt Lake County. He has done an awesome job~infact, he has only been there a month and has been asked to be a supervisor! Spencer is awesome when it comes to working! I know I can always count on him. He will start back up in school this fall. As for me, well school, school, and more school. Okay maybe this last week I slacked a bit when it came to studying. I had to spend time with my pups. I absolutely loved having them around! I think I have come to the conclusion that I'm in total shock about graduation. I knew it was coming especially when we sold all our pups, but seriously, it is just around the corner~and there you have it~an update from us (or me :)

Happy Birthday Spencer!!!

2009-04-24T12:53:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is Spencer's bday! Can I just say he is the love of my life? I can't believe he is going to be the big 26! I mean I met him when he was a crazy teenager and to think he still hasn't changed haha! There are so many reasons why I love him, but for your enjoyment I will list 26 of them, yes I said 26, but remember I also said there are soooo many reasons!

26-When I don't ask, he'll rub my back (only when I DON'T ASK ~ different story when I do :)
25-He enjoys watching the shows and movies I like. Yes, he is a Hill's & 90210 fan, but probably wouldn't admit it!
24-He texts me every time I take a test to see how I did.
23-His hugs make me melt
22-He lets me sing in the car and sometimes lets me change the radio~
21-He is so willing to take Paysley potty during the night~never once have I heard him complain! If you are wondering why not Chade, it's because, well, Chade won't go with him~
20-He looks sooo good when he works out! I love watching his biceps in action! TMI?
19-He always knows when to make me laugh and hold me when I cry~he's come a real pro these last two years!
18-He is sooo good with kids~my nieces and nephews (especially Gage & Chance) love him and are always wondering where Spencer is when they see me! I do admit, sometimes it hurts, haha!
17-He calls me a lot when I am sick to check up on me~today especially!
16-He takes me on a date every week!
15-He believed in me when I didn't.
14-He helps everyone and anyone. I could tell many stories where he just stops what he's doing whether it's to help a guy lift something into a truck, or an old lady with her car!
13-He laughs at me. Trust me, it's a good thing~
12-He cleans poop off my shoes! Long Story~
11-He pulls the covers over my head (cover wagon) when in all reality I think he's coming in for a hug. I'm not a fan at that moment, but he does make me laugh!
10-He is my best friend! I tell him everything! I will literally be somewhere like at clinicals and think to myself~I gotta tell Spencer that!
9-He loves me for me~that's a big one!
8-He gets along so good with my family. What can I say, they all love him!
7-He is the best cook and is always willing to fix me up something real quick!
6-He never complains that I have to hurry and workout before we go somewhere. Infact, he loves it!
5-He can fix anything and build anything!
4-He is such a hard worker. He never complains and never expects a hand out!
3-He kisses me every morning before work and every night when he gets home!
2-He is so organized and not only understands that I love a clean house, but helps keep it that way!
1-He has been my rock through school and there is no one else I would want to share this journey with! I can't wait to see him at my graduation!

There you have it! I love him! Now, I did this today because tomorrow we are going to be having way too much fun!

Only 4 more to go!

2009-04-16T16:06:00.000-06:00

This is me getting ready to take the Hesi test in our testing center! Only 4 more tests to go and I will never have to walk into these rooms again! We have been taking pics of us. I will post more as they come! (If you don't know, I am the one on the right in the second row, I was playing cool :)

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T23:07:00.000-06:00

We had such a FUN Easter! I have always loved Easter. We went over to my Aunt Claudia's house for some fun family Easter egg hunting! It was a lot of fun and a much needed break for both Spencer and I! Enjoy the pictures! Next time I will figure out how to do a slide show...

The whole fam enjoying a great meal! Aunt Claudia, Jen, Drew, and Michael!

Patti and Aunt Claudia

Michael and my hot husband!

Gage

Elle...she gets her enthusiasm from her Aunt Jessie~

Abby

The kids begging to start the Easter egg hunt. We made them wait until we had some dessert...really do you blame us?

Chance wanted to be the first one out the door!

Jen and Drew

Jen and Drew again

Drew

Drew found an easter egg; although, he was pretty amused with the frog.

Dad helping Chance and YES they did find the most eggs!

Jen and Drew.

Elle on a mission~

Let the hunt begin...

Gage

I love these little puppies! They are so much fun and so easy to have! I can't believe I only have a couple more weeks with them. I am just glad I have them all sold to good homes! Having a blog for my puppies helped me sale them quick~

Sooo Happy!!!

2009-04-08T17:41:00.001-06:00

I PASSED the HESI!!! I am sooo excited! The HESI is a test over the whole nursing program and it is "hell" (I'm not cussing, it seriously is!)! There is sooo much info that we have learned so I have been stressed! We are sooo happy. I say WE because Spencer loves seeing me happy!!! I got my cap and gown today! I can't believe we don't have too much longer! YEA, YEA, YEA!!!

They just always knows what to do~

2009-04-06T13:25:00.000-06:00

This last week I have been stressed to the MAX! I have so much going on and with school being so stressful, I feel like I am always on the verge of tears. Yesterday I called my mom and right when I heard her voice I broke down. I was definitely in need of a pep talk and just like always, she did a great job! What would we do without our moms?!?! Then my sweet husband gave me a blessing afterwards. I had a test and class today and when I got home, I had these beautiful flowers along with a sweet, sweet card from my husband! He just always knows what to do!

Seriously...how cute!

2009-03-30T21:18:00.000-06:00

Why I love my dogs!

2009-03-25T21:53:00.000-06:00

Funny story: I gave both Chade and Paysley a "treat" today, so Chade went over here and hid his bone, but not only did he hide it, he sat here ALL day just like this so Paysley wouldn't come near it! Awhh, I love my Chade!

Paysley AbSoLuTeLy LOVES her puppies!

~Our Sweet Puppies~ At 2 weeks old... Tinka (female)

Zoe (female)

Scooter (male)

Dewey (runt):male

Opie (male)

Raising a litter of puppies is sooo easy! They hardly ever cry and when they do Paysley is right there to relieve them or feed them. For those who do not know~puppies do not go potty (both 1 and 2) on their own. Their mom licks them to stimulate them so therefore it never gets on anything! It has been fun! I have had people from New York and Pennsylvania emailing me saying they are interested in our Shorkies! It is soooo crazy! I seriously had to stop advertising because I was getting too many calls! We love our little pups and our crazy dogs!

Thoughts from a nursing student with graduation in sight...

2009-03-23T22:04:00.000-06:00

Any college student can tell you the importance of Spring Break! Spring Break for me was last week. As I studied for 2 (yes, I said 2!) tests during my break, I had a little time to reflect on my experience during this tough program. It has been an experience I will never forget! I have grown so much, not only as an individual, but also as a wife (Yes, Spencer will vouch for this). When I first began almost over a year and a half ago, I struggled. I was not ready for what was in store for me and my journey through nursing school. There were students leaps and bounds ahead of me, but with motivation, I surpassed even my own expectations! Anyone who has put there life on hold (per se) to better themselves through education knows exactly where I am coming from. It is an amzing feeling that as you can tell I can't fully express! I only have 7 more weeks until graduation and am excited as ever to complete this program. It has been hard, but I would never trade this experience for anything in this world! Thanks Spencer for being so supportive! Also, thanks to my family! I seriously have the WORLD's best parents who not only encourage me, but inspire me! They themselves are great examples of what success is!

P.S. For all my old basketball buddies...it's our song that got us through! (turn up the volume)...If anybody asks you who I am, just stand up tall look 'em in the face and say I'm the star up in the sky, I'm the mountain peak up high...hey I made it, I'm the world's greatest..I'm that little bit of hope when my back's against the ropes! (7 years later, that song still motivates me...and even in a whole different aspect!)

NOW, all I can say is I am ready(and ALMOST able) to help save lives, so graduation here we come!

Our 3 Year Anniversary!

2009-03-17T22:54:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow Spencer & I have been married for 3 years! It is crazy how time flies and even crazier to think we have been together as a couple for almost 8 years! I love Spencer more than anything in this world. He truly is everything I wanted in a husband. We have been through so much this past year and a half and although it hasn't been the easiest, I am glad I had him to help get through it! Spencer, you are the best and I love you so much! Here's to 3 years & Eternity!!!!

P.S. I am so bummed. I got out all our cute wedding pics to put on this post, but my darn scanner is not cooperating! Yes, it is fitting cuz we truly have the best luck, lol!

A much needed weekend!

2009-03-15T10:41:00.000-06:00

This weekend was great and something I really needed! My mom came down from Idaho and I was able to hang with her all weekend. Friday night my mom, sisters, and I went out to dinner. It was so fun to just sit and talk to them. Then after dinner, we didn't want the night to end so we headed to Draper because Patti heard about a new yogurt place called "Frogurt." It was dang good, but don't let it fool ya, 35 cents an ounce adds up pretty quick!

Then on Saturday I went with my mom, sister's, and their kids to lunch. We had so much fun. It is so crazy how much my nieces and nephews have grown up. Then after we dropped the kids off to their dads, we jetted back to Frogurt. My favorite part was afterward my mom came to my house to workout with me. When I lived in Idaho, my mom and I did that all the time. I miss it so much. Then Saturday night we all went to Jens to eat dinner. I sure wish my mom lived down here. Us girls miss her so much. She truly is the best mom in the whole world!

Spencer has been doing pretty good. He has been working on a lot of side jobs, so we have hardly seen each other the last couple weeks. It's hard cuz we miss each other! He is such a hard worker! I appreciate all that he does!

The pups are doing so good! I have one pup that has milk come out of his nose sometimes when he eats. I heard it could be cleft palate or pneumonia, so yeah that freaked me out! But, come to find out, he is as healthy as can be and sometimes he just eats too much! They are so cute and once again easy to take care of!

Tagged by Holly!

2009-03-09T12:44:00.000-06:00

I am supposed to show you my sixth picture from my sixth file or something like that, but just like Holly, I don't have six files of pictures saved on my computer, So, yes we are five years behind. Anyway, here is the sixth picture that I actually do have saved in my picture file! As you can see, this is a pic of the loves of my life! This picture totally describes a typical weekend especially if the Jazz game is on. It must have been half time when this picture was taken because Spencer actually looked at me, haha! I have to tell ya a funny story that goes with that. One time we were talking about ADD (attention deficit disorder) and I was telling Spencer about it. Well, he looked at me and said "hey, maybe I have that because ya know when I am watching tv and you try to talk to me and I just ignore ya and DONT PAY ATTENTION to ya?!" Nice one, Spence, but that's called being a GUY, haha! Gotta love him though!

The next tag is also from Holly. I have kinda done one like this, but here goes~

5 Things I was doing 5 years ago-

1. Attending college~getting those fun pre reqs for nursing!

2. Working at my sister's salon~loved it!

3. Waiting for Spencer to come off his mission in 5 1/2 months!

4. Shopping, it's crazy to think I had money and time back then!

5. Loving on my new puppy, Chade! I can't believe he is 5 years old!

5 Things on my to-do list today-

1. Take a test (check mark, thank goodness)

2. Attend class (check mark, again...thank goodness)

3. workout (wish check mark)

4. vacuum

5. Maybe watch Dancing with the Stars. Monday nights are my little get away from school (if I don't have a test Tuesday morning instead of Monday morning), so I don't know what to do with myself now that The Bachelor is over. AND yes I still like Jason! The poor guy followed his heart and yes it does stink he broke Melissa's heart on national tv, but it's all in the contract if you go on REALITY tv. I mean even Melissa knew that. I still love her though! That's my spill for all us Bachelor fans, haha! Take it as you will!

5 Things I would do with a million dollars-

1. Buy a home (I just want a nice one that is big enough for my family. I look at huge homes and all I think about is ALL THE CLEANING and I even love cleaning!

2. Buy Spencer his dream truck.

3. Buy a tv! Yes, I still use my old school one I had growing up. That thing weighs a ton! Sadly, the picture is going out. Hopefully the million dollars comes soon...or atleast a nice paycheck!

4. Go on a vacation...a much needed vacay!

5. Then save, save, save! I am more concerned with our money than Spencer. Some would never guess, but that's because you don't know me, but hey, now you do!

5 Places I have lived-

1. Sandy, Ut

2. West Jordan, UT

3. Rupert, Id

4. Burley, Id

5. and back to West Jordan, Ut

5 Jobs that I have held-

1. Filing at Corporate Image...not an actual job, just a nice way for my mom to use my help and for me to make some cash.

2. Receptionist at Taylor D'Shaw Salon. Highly recommend this salon!

3. Worked with Child Life Specialist at PCMC.

4. Embroidery at Corporate Image and yes this was an actual job! I worked my butt off and helped my mom with her great company!

5. Nursing student (If you don't think this is work...you have never been to nursing school, haha)

5 Things I want to be doing in 5 years-

1. Raising children

2. Working as an RN or maybe higher

3. Maybe back in school...I said maybe

4. Relief Society president...j/k, got ya!

5. and doing whatever else makes Spencer and I happy! I'm wearing down with this post, can you tell?

5 people I tag:

I tag whichever 5 people feel like doing this. I know some of you have already done stuff like this!

Our pups are here!

2009-03-08T13:09:00.000-06:00

Paysley had her pups this morning! We are so excited! Everything went so well once again! She has had five-2 girls and 3 boys! I will post pics soon!

Bullies...still?

2009-03-03T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today I found out that my sweet 7 year old niece has a bully in the first grade! One day a girl asked Elle to give her Elle's chocolate milk. Well, the sweetheart that Elle is, gave it to her. Now every day that same girl makes Elle trade her chocolate milk. I mean seriously, does that girl really want to mess with me, my mom, and my sisters, haha! I called her today and told her when I was in the first grade I had won the spelling bee contest and I got a pint of Rainblow bubble gum. Well a short, fat, ugly girl came up and grabbed them and said if I didn't give those to her then I would have to go buy her some. So, thinking that my parents wouldn't let me do that, I gave them to her. I was so upset and just like Elle I was too embarrassed to tell anyone! I also had one in junior high in my economics class. Callie you will remember this! She totally harrassed Callie and I. She was one of those girls who had seen the judge several times, so after being fed up with her crap, I mentioned my dad was a "judge" (not in that same city, but I didn't let her know that, haha). She then left us alone. I also had some mexican girls who would push me into lockers in high school because of a stupid boy. Now that I am in college, you would think it would end, right? No! A stupid girl makes fun of me for eating Wheat Thins and will seriously take them from me to hide. She thinks it's so funny. I let her know she is stupid. Yes, I did! Moral of this story, Elle, I know how it feels and I will take care of your problem for you (even though I can't take care of mine :) Hence, the song, "Momma said knock you out," fitting right?

Is it summer again?!?!

2009-02-23T21:34:00.000-07:00

We had quite a few things happen last summer that weren't the funnest things to go through. Well, today totally reminded me of it...and here's why: I got a call from Spencer today saying he cut his finger. I seriously had deja vu from last summer. Spencer cut his finger pretty bad when Paysley was about 7 weeks pregnant. Well, here we go again! How crazy is that? I seriously think he needs a new profession, haha. I told him that I thought he knew those tools were sharp!!! Well let's just hope our car doesn't get stolen! Knock on wood...several times!

On a lighter note, I finally got Spencer to watch the movie Grease! I think that movie is great. It is funny because when I was watching High School Musical with my niece Elle, she knew every song and sang along and danced like crazy. Spencer pointed out that I am that same way with Grease. I mean seriously, who doesn't dance along to that movie? Then a week later Grease 2 came on (gotta love Johnny!) and Spencer watched it with me as well. Yes, I sang along to that too. Now, if only I can get Spencer to watch Twilight?!?!

Updated pics of our past litter!

2009-02-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

In no particular order: Oliver

Harley aka frodo

Buster aka Bruiser

Bella

Only two more weeks until the puppies arrive! This is Paysley a few days ago. She sure is big!

I thought I would update with some recent pics of the pups and Paysley-still no recent pic of Scout, bummer!

Spencer and I are doing really well. Nothing new~I am still busy with school. Today I have so much reading to do and when I take breaks I come play on the computer. Spencer is at a side job today. He is such a hard worker! I really look up to him. He has done so much for me while I am in school. Our new saying is "Suffer now instead of later" -Totally rings true for us right now! We'll just keep on keepin on until May!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the day with my books, how fun is that? Spencer left for Idaho yesterday to do some work for his dad today, but he did make it home tonight! He's such a sweetheart. He walked into the house with roses and then took me out to eat. I have this new workout program I got for Christmas and I have been wanting a nice set of weights for a long time! Well, my sweet husband got me the exact one I wanted! I feel like I am a kid again at Christmas. I am sooo excited! I love him so much! All week he had been down playing V-Day as if it was a pointless day! Love the reverse psychology, Spence!

In other news, Paysley is due to have pups in 3 weeks! We are excited. She has gotten pretty big in just the last couple days!

Also, sorry I haven't posted forever! I love to keep my blog updated, but I seriously have been so busy (I know, I know, I hate that excuse too!), but it is so true!!! My graduation is May 8th and my pinning ceremony is May 7th! I am so excited (maybe this post should be titled "I'm so excited", haha). I have been working my butt off to finish all my assignments and turn them in before I start clinicals and before Paysley has her pups. I start clinicals this week doing Home, Health, & Hospice. I am looking forward to it!!!

Also, I would like to give a shout out to my dad! Yesterday was his bday and I got to spend the morning and afternoon with him! I enjoyed the day (even though we found out his dog had a false pregnancy, bummer!). I love my dad so much! He and my step mom have done so much for Spencer and I! We appreciate it so much! I love ya dad and I hope you had a great bday! You sure deserve it!

My sister Pat also had a birthday the first of this month. I meant to post about it earlier! I love ya, Pat! You are such a great sister! I seriously meant what I wrote in one of my previous posts about how great my sisters are!

Spencer's bro, Clint, also had a bday this month! We hope he had a great day even though it was filled wth chaos! (Our other bro inlaw cut his face with a grinder that day). We love ya and love spending time with your little family!!!

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day!!!

The longest day of my life...well one of them!

2009-01-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a long day (hence, why this post is:). Spencer was scheduled to have surgery at 2pm, so we arrived just after 1pm. His dr. was running behind so they told us his surgery would be pushed back to 4:30pm...and we thought that was bad! It then got pushed to 6:30pm and 8:30pm (about this time we were so tired of watching tv). I was so frusterated at this point because nobody came and told us anything. Same day surgery was pretty much shut down and our nurse had left, so I had to roam the floor for someone to talk to and I was not happy (which usually isn't like me). After finding someone at 8:30pm, I found out that the person just before Spencer had just went in for surgery and his procedure was suppose to last 2 hours. Holy cow! Poor Spencer hadn't eaten anything until Wednesday night. I felt so bad for him. Well he went into surgery at 10:30pm. I kept myself busy reading my textbook on all the info I had planned to read that day. Spencer got out of surgery just after midnight. I didn't like what I saw when I walked into the recovery room. He was so pale and shivering like crazy. The nurses had his blankets around his waist so they could see his respirations. I was thinking...come on~he can have his blankets up around him, so I moved them. You can still count respirations just as easy. His heart rate was also really low. Normal heart rate is between 60-100 and I realize he was just sedated, but his heart rate was in the low 40's. It wasn't something I liked to see and when I mentioned it to the nurse, she agreed and called the anestiologist (shouldn't that have been a no brainer? Seriously, it's sad). His temperature was also pretty low so they kept him over night. It was a long frusterating process. I am so glad I am in nursing school. I can see why SlCC is such a good program. Now, maybe I won't complain about it as much. I felt like I really knew my stuff. It definitely made me see what some of them were doing wrong and I didn't like that, so I always said something. I am usually a doormat, but I guess when it comes to my husband, I don't take no crap! It's crazy how I can be with patients all day who are sick, but seeing Spencer like that was no fun to me! Anyway, I am going to pick him up this morning!

Surgery

2009-01-29T11:23:00.001-07:00

Spencer's surgery is today at 2pm. I am so glad I have today off from school. Although, I will be reading my High Acuity book while he is being operated on and after! Wish us luck!

Our crazy life!

2009-01-26T21:11:00.000-07:00

Our life has seemed so crazy lately. I feel like I am always on the move doing something. I am all ready so overwhelmed with school. I had my first test in High Acuity (ICU) today. Let's just say the majority of the class walked out trying to hold back the tears. It was awful!!! I am just sooo lucky I had a good score. What a relief, but I seriously don't know how much I can take. SLCC is the number one nursing school in Utah for a huge reason. It seems so unbearable. Also with the craziness...Spencer and I went to the Urologist today. Spencer's stone is actually in his right lower ureter (Spencer misunderstood what the physician had told him days before). The stone is a half of an inch (pretty darn big for a stone). It has started to develop scar tissue around it and is inflammed. The Urologist recommends surgery because he thinks the stone has been there awhile (maybe since last summer?) and it is only causing trouble and not passing. His ureter is inflammed and his kidney and ureter are retaining fluid...not good. Hence, our crazy life!!! Anway, that's the update for the family. Sorry I never have photos. We are so busy and always on the move without a camera!

Kidney stone...again!

2009-01-24T18:37:00.000-07:00

History lesson:
When Spencer was just 3 years old, he got kidney stones.
When Spencer got off his mission, he got kidney stones.
June 2008, Spencer gets kidney stones off and on all summer!
January 2009, I make Spencer see a Dr!

Spencer saw a family physician this last Monday. It was kind of a shot in the dark because at that time he wasn't having symptoms of kidney stones like he had the week before. The physician ordered Spencer to have a ct scan. The ct scan showed that Spencer has a kidney stone in his right kidney blocking the outward flow of urine to the ureter. Spencer's labs were within normal limits which mean his left kidney is compensating for his right kidney. This next Monday he sees a Urologist. I am hoping we can figure out why he gets them. FYI he doesn't consume a lot of calcium and drinks tons of water! Spencer is such a trooper though! He has passed kidney stones without a grimace!

The best sisters a girl could ask for!!!

2009-01-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

I seriously have the two best sisters in the whole world! I love them so much and I truly consider them my best friends. We all have so much fun together. When I am in school, I don't have a lot of time to spend with them and I hate that. I look up to them more than they will ever know. They are such good wives and mothers. They really make their house a home! I remember when I was considering starting nursing school a year earlier than expected and Jen said to me- It's not easy moving up in the world, or everyone would do it, but I know you can do it! Well, with that great advice from one of my successful sisters, I started, and now I am about to graduate! I sure can't wait to have them at my graduation. As all of you know I have been sick and it is only getting worse. My sweet sister, Patti, called today and wanted to bring us dinner! She didn't know I was still sick. She always offers to bring dinner. Well she came over with taco soup, bread sticks, chips & salsa, and chocolate chip cookies! That was so sweet of her. I love my two sisters so much and they are everything I want to become!!!

Rough week

2009-01-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

This week has been rough for us. My cough and cold got worse so I finally went to the Dr. last night. It has been so miserable to be so sick during my first week of school. I hate the first days because it is so overwhelming when you hear about all the stuff you have to do especially this last semester. I hope I survive. Spencer has been in pain from what we think are kidney stones. He goes into the Dr. this next week. I know, I know, he gets them all the time! We definitely need to find out why. One good thing is that I put an ad up saying we are expecting Shorkie puppies. I've had so many calls, e-mails, and texts about them. I can't believe how popular they are! I have way more people interested than Paysley will have pups. That's a good thing cuz I am definitely picking where the pups go! Anyway, I just thought I would update the blog since I'm not totally medicated at this moment :)

Last week of freedom!!!

2009-01-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this is my last week of freedom! On Monday I start my LAST semester of nursing school! I have mixed feelings about it. I am excited it's finally here so I can get it over with, but also dreading it because it is one of the hardest things I have been through. I never thought it would be tough, but it is-just ask Dr's who have also attended nursing school! Well my last week hasn't been too fun. I still have a cough. I just can't seem to get rid of it! I hate getting the cough cuz it has always taken me forever to get rid of it! Spencer has talked me out of working out a couple days this week because it's quite obvious that working out just makes it worse! Spencer has done so great at his New Year's Resolutions! As I am typing, he is working out to one of my HARD workouts and boy is he doing awesome!

We finally got Paysley back on Wednesday after being gone since Saturday! I am such a baby! I hated every minute she was gone! When she came home, she was so excited to see us and be home! We are pretty sure she is pregnant! She had successful ties with the male! I am excited for this litter of pups. It'll be fun to see what they look like! Chade is still my loyal little boy and he's glad that Paysley is back. If anyone is interested in a pup, just let me know! I already have three of them spoken for! So fun!

I thought this was funny and ohhh so true!
You know you are a nursing student when:
20) Your apartment looks like it vomited laundry, dishes, textbooks, labs, and old pieces of care plans.
19) You've read more Potter and Perry than Harry Potter.
18) You've practically stopped blogging, unless it is to talk about how nursing school is stressing you out.
17) You're contemplating hooking yourself up to an IV drip of caffeine. Best part you know how to start that IV too.
16) you carry spare careplans in your car, just in case. Jumper cables.. check, tire gauge... check, blanket... check, careplan, double check!
15) Your hands are so dry from "proper" hand-washing and alcohol-based rubs that they are beginning to crack. This means you can cut glass with your knuckles and cause a snow storm by rubbing the backs of your hands together.
14) while getting a GYNO exam you ask the doctor mid- bimanual palpation if you can feel your ovaries too.
13) you start an IV on a friend during a study break
12) you take bets on where N, V, and D will be ordered in the list of side effects for every drug your patient is on, even when their purpose is to treat those very symptoms!
11) you know what greafy leens are and you eat them frequently
10) the phrase "I intended" makes you cringe to your very core
9) care plans are the bane of your existance
8) a night out consists of getting together with other nursing students to eat dinner as a study break while you flash notecards over appetizers
7) you have the desire to create Barbies and Kens with the disease of the day
6) You forget how to spell "normal" words
5) while playing Pictionary you draw a picture and a friend calls out "dumping syndrome" and genuinely means it as a legitimate guess
4) it all comes down to poo and you discuss it openly
3) everything in nursing is "KEY"
2) you eat dinner while watching Mosby DVD's and think nothing of it
1) and YOU PRAY THE TESTS WILL PAR!!!

Happy Birthday Elle!

2009-01-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

My sweet Elle

Today is my niece, Elle's, bday! I can't believe she is seven years old! It seems so crazy to think! I was so excited when she was born! She was the first one out of my nieces and nephews, so I was ready to have a baby in the family! She is so darn cute and I love her to death! I am so glad I have the privilege of being like a second mom to her! I went to her bday party tonight and forgot my darn camera. All my nieces and nephews on my side were there. I love them all so much! I am one lucky aunt! The song, "Don't you know you're Beautiful," by Kellie Pickler is my song to my sweet little nieces! I will always want the best for them! Happy Birthday, El! I love ya to death!

More Shorkie pups

2009-01-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

Baxter's previous puppies

Baxter (daddy)

Paysley is in heat and because of her good health, we have decided to breed her this go around. After this litter, we will not breed her for 18 months and then that would be her last litter. She is being bred to a 4.5 lb Yorkie, named Baxter. He is a cute yorkie and throws darling pups. We are excited for our new litter of pups that will arrive in March! We already have people wanting them!

New Year's Resolutions!

2009-01-01T13:56:00.000-07:00

Jess: Graduate, find a great job, work on food storage, and enjoy 2009!
Spencer: Read scriptures every night, read 2 church books, exercise atleast 3 times a week, buy atleast 3 things a month for food storage, and have 72 hour kits ready.

We had fun bringing in the New Year, but we forgot our camera! We went to my sister, Jen's house, ate dinner, and yes, played Guitar Hero! We hope everyone has a great New Year. Leave us a comment with your New Year's Resolution! We would love to hear it!

Guitar Hero + Christmas = Pics & Videos...we got a new camera!!!

2008-12-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

Cute Bella at our house!

This pic really tells ya how I felt the day after Christmas, beat! Here I am sleeping with my mom's dog Bella right by me, Chade off to the right, and Paysley laying (or lying? I hated that in English!) near my legs. Sorry we blend in with the blanket! I was tired and had no idea this pic was being taken until the flash woke me up!

Chade relaxed and waiting for the presents. He isn't possessed!

Paysley sniffing out her stocking. Spencer says she gets that from me! Smart girl! She isn't possessed either, trust me!

My fancy new elliptical ( I love it!!!)-don't mind the mess, it was Christmas morning! I keep telling myself that cuz this pic causes me anxiety, haha!

Christmas morning - opening up his CD player for his truck and talking to his dad!

Okay, so Guitar Hero has taken up pretty much all our time since Spencer opened it Christmas morning! At 2am I finally tell Spencer that we just got to go to bed. I am sure our neighbors don't appreciate it...we really try not to be too loud. As I am writing this post, Spencer is mastering the Guitar. It seriously is like an addiction. My last post was about how my family enjoyed it as well. Well here we go again-last night my sister had us all over again to play and Spencer even went out to buy another guitar so someone could play bass, he's always thinking of including everyone! These videos are hilarious! My mom was recording it all on her camera and I was in the video singing, but then I wanted to record on our new camera. Well once again they all dressed the part. My bro-inlaws, Michael and Roman put on their daughter's Hannah Montana Wigs, Spencer rolled up his sleeves and added a bandana (We all thought he looked like Joe Don from Rascal Flatts, rarr!). My sisters are so hilarious. They went downstairs for a minute because my mom and I told them they NEEDED to look the part. They then came up more enhanced, if you get my drift! We were all laughing sooo hard that we literally had tears! It was so much fun! I absolutely love how everyone gets involved (even my nephews and nieces make appearances in the video)! The other pics are just random! Enjoy the good times!!! Seriously, rock on THUMB WRASTLERS, rock on!

P.S. Jen specifically said I could not add this to my blog, but hey she has no computer, so will she ever know?!?! Jen is in the black shirt and Patti is in the white shirt! Michael (Jen's husband) is on the very left and Roman (Patti's husband) is playing the drums. My man is in the middle!

The other videos wouldn't download on here, but they are posted on my facebook page!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-25T22:44:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I had a great Christmas! It all started at 8am when I could no longer sleep anymore, so we opened presents. Spencer got two pairs of shoes, shirt, cd, cd player for his truck, socket and wrench set, pj's (for Christmas Eve), and Guitar Hero World Tour (that was my surprise for him). I got an elliptical :), workout dvd's, 3 cd's, pj's (again for Christmas Eve)shirt, and some way cute boots! All morning we played Guitar Hero. It was a blast. I never thought in a million years I would buy that for him, but I guess I get that from my mom -I just had to get it for him. Yeah, I thanked my mom for that one, haha! Tonight we went to my sister's for dinner! It was a blast! We got my whole fam playing Guitar Hero; hence, the video! These guys were really serious about their "band!" My brother inlaw Roman is on the drums and with his daughter's Hannah Montana Wig, he totally looked his part! My bro, Derek, lead guitar, rolled up his sleeves and added the bandana. Spencer was the lead singer, he was suppose to be the "pretty boy", but all my sis could find was the cute cowboy hat! Awhh, memories! Rock on Thumb Wrastlers!!!

Updated pics of our past Shorkie pups!

2008-12-21T11:01:00.000-07:00

Buster AKA Bruiser!

Frodo AKA Harley!

Bella

Oliver! (After his first haircut)

I thought I would update this blog with recent pics of the puppies we had. I don't have Scout's new family's contact info, so I am not able to get pics of him - which is so sad! Here are the rest! They are getting so big! I see Harley all the time and he even stays with us - right now he is right here with us! Anyway, just an update!

Twilight!

2008-12-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today my friends from school invited me to go see the movie, Twilight! Keep in mind I have never read the books like they all have, but I thought it would be fun to go anyway. I actually really liked the movie! Great, now I want to read the books. I am one of those people, who when I start something, I have to finish it! That isn't the best thing to do with my time since my last semester of nursing school is just around the corner. I told my friends that maybe I'll just stick with the movies. I heard the next one has already started production.
Anyway, Spencer is enjoying having his wife back. We have had so much fun together, but that isn't anything new. Spencer absolutely loves playing basketball, so he has so much fun playing with our ward every Thursday and of course I am there cheering him on! We are so excited for Christmas this year! I have a surprise for Spencer...

Christmas Carols...

2008-12-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

I just finished my final for my psychiatric nursing class, yea!!!!! I got this in an e-mail and I thought it was fitting for this wonderful day ~ tomorrow will be even better!!!! A break for 4 weeks, seriously how cool is that?! Spencer keeps saying he can't wait to get his wife back! I'm not sure exactly what that means~
*CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE DISTURBED*
1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings
3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get> Me
7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy, oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

Festival of Trees

2008-12-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Spencer & I have made it a tradition to go to Festival of Trees every year! It is all for such a great cause -Primary Children's Hospital! I love that hospital and it might be where I end up working. It has such a great atmosphere to it. This year a tree was donated to my cousin Emily's little girl, Ashley. She returned home to Heavenly Father this past March from a rare brain tumor. It was so neat to see her tree and read her story. It was so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I really look up to my cousin Emily and her amazing strength. What a great family!

Thanksgiving VACAY!!!

2008-11-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

(Mike)

For Thanksgiving Spencer and I went to Idaho. We brought the Wii Fit along for the ride. It was a blast! We had so much fun playing it with his family. Here are some funny videos of our brother inlaw Mike, Spencer's dad Blaine, and Spencer attempting HuLa HoOp (keep in mind it was like 1 am!).

(Blaine - how I wish it wasn't so dark)

There are so many things I am thankful for at this time of year, but #1 being Spencer! He has been such a great support to me while I have been in school. He is always so willing to help take things off my plate! I love him so much and truly grateful for all that he does! I can't wait to see what the future holds for us! I am also thankful for our family and friends! We have such a great time with all of them and love them so much and appreciate all they do for us!!! We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! CaNt WaIt FoR cHrIsTmAs!!!!

P.S. Sorry Mike, Blaine, and Spencer! It is just too funny not to post! I warned ya!!!

(Spencer :) )

Here's to the UTES!

2008-11-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was quite the game! All I have to say is I am so glad the Utes won! They really deserved it and played a great game! My poor husband took the win surprisingly well! This picture says it all, doesn't it?!?! Now, I was wearing red, but Spencer didn't want a pic of that I guess! Until next year...

Going Private...

2008-11-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

We have decided to go private. If you would like to continue to read it, please leave a comment with your email address.

Some fun weekends!!!

2008-11-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

~Pics in no particular order~The fun Ghost Tour!!! People actually got real pics of um what are they called...hmm...where you see specs of light that represents ghosts?...anyway!

Display of human cadavors at The Leonardo...amazing!

Kyle Korver (from the Jazz) telling me thank you after donating a coat. Awhh, you're welcome!

Korver signing my jersey! (yeah, I just can't seem to get a good pic of him)

Spencer & I have had some fun weekends! Last weekend I went with my aunt to the Jazz game. Spencer came home and surprised me with Kyle Korver's jersey, what a sweetheart! Then when I met up with my aunt, she said we got to meet Korver and get his autograph! How ironic and cool is that? I love my husband!

Then Saturday we went to The Body World 3 Tour at The Leonardo. It was cool! It had everything that I have already learned about so it was a lot of fun answering Spencer's questions about the body. My favorite part was the display of real embryos and fetuses. Very cool!

The weekend before all this, Spencer and I took the Ghost tour around Salt Lake. It was something very fun to do around Halloween. We rode in a bus and stopped in front of buildings to hear about ghosts that haunted the building. It was tons of fun!
Sorry my pics aren't the best, but I just had to tell ya about all the fun we have been having!

Just an update...

2008-11-07T12:28:00.000-07:00

Spencer and I have been so busy these days! I have five weeks and 8 tests left til this semester is over!!! I am so burned out!!! I have been doing clinicals at LDS Hospital. It is a great learning experience, but looong days! My family enjoys all my funny stories about clinicals such as helping an elderly gentleman to the bathroom and having him decide to pee all over me, awwh, nursing! (Maybe that's why I don't like med surg nursing!)
I have had quite a few people encouraging me to go to medical school. Boy, would that be a journey! I have been thinking about it a lot lately. I would love to be a doctor, but I guess we will wait a couple years and see how nursing goes! Spencer is all for it, haha!
Last night my sister colored my hair all brown! It is going to take some getting used to, but I am always up for change! Spencer, the crazy boy that he is, decided to grab the left over color from my hair and put it on his goatee (sp?)! Now, really, does that shock any of ya?

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T22:37:00.000-06:00

My dad and nephew Chance! My dad and I used to go trick or treating when I was little. It was awesome. Lets just say I always had a ton of candy!

The girls: Abby, Emma, and Elle

Patti's kids: Gage, Emma, & Chance

Emma, Gage, and Chance

Spencer & Andrew-True buddies!!!

Elle (6)

Abby (4)

Left to Right: Andrew, Elle, Gage, Chance, Emma, and Abby!
Tonight we stopped by my sister's house for a bit to eat some chili and see our nieces and nephews dressed up! It was a lot of fun! Happy Halloween!

It's carving time...

2008-10-27T21:38:00.000-06:00

Master at work! I messed up our pumpkin last year, so I

kept my distance! Chade & Paysley enjoying our night!

Yep you guessed it...Paysley likes pumpkins!

Yum...pumpkin seeds!

Our first attempt at a ghost! This is without any tracings!

After a long day of studying, test taking, and working, Spencer & I decided to splurge with some fun tonight! We decided to carve us a pumpkin! I love Halloween! It is one of my favorite holidays! I am so glad it is on a Friday this year!

Long Day...

2008-10-22T17:48:00.000-06:00

Today has been such a long day! I had today off from school...great huh, wrong! I spent all day on this darn computer typing up notes for my psychiatric nursing class. For some reason our Instructors decided not to give us any notes this semester...seriously I think that is the worst idea ever! Now we spend hours and hours making notes instead of getting good studying time in! School is kicking my butt for this reason - and probably many others! Paysley is back to her origninal self which means actually acknowledging Chade and looonnngg walks! All day she sat at my feet and growled the funniest sounds to try and get my attention! She finally got impatient and decided to jump on my lap! Nevermind there is absolutely no room for her between my books, binder, and computer! Oh yeah, the other day one of her pups came over to see her. They both recognized each other right away! Paysley turned him over to clean him and he tried to get milk out of her...silly boy! We have quite a few people who want us to breed her next year so they can get a puppy. I guess they are quite the hit! My husband has been driving me crazy lateley - literally! He has been in such a good mood and tackles me every chance he can. I will stand up from studying and he'll seriously plow me into the love sac! I guess if there's something we must know it's BOYS WILL BE BOYS!!! Well I need to go workout so I can have some kind of physical activity today!...And that's my day!

This made me laugh sooo hard!

2008-10-16T19:46:00.001-06:00

I tried to put this as a video, but it wouldn't let me. It's a clip from Ellen's tv show. I decided to take a break from studying and saw this on tv. It is hilarious. It made me laugh so hard, I was in tears! Good times...good times!
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/2008/10/ellens_hidden_camera_starbucks.php

Our weekend

2008-10-13T21:24:00.000-06:00

Spencer and I had a great weekend. On Saturday we headed to Provo and went to the BYU game. It was a lot of fun. Then on Sunday we had our niece, Sara's baby blessing. The picture is of us with Nephew (Ryan) and nieces (Nicole & Sara) from Spencer's side of the family. It was nice to get a little break from studying.
I have been so busy which makes life no fun. I am doing clinicals at UNI and LDS Hospital and surviving tests every Monday. It has gone by fast, but slow at the same time. I am thankful for this opportunity to go to school and learn so much about the medical field. It is amazing.
Spencer is keeping busy as well. We only see each other a couple hours before we have to go to bed - which reminds me I am trying to get a better sleep schedule going, but that just hasn't happened yet. I try to go to bed early, so I can wake up, workout, and head to class or clinicals without being sooo tired like I have been.
Spencer makes me laugh. We have now been driving his truck everywhere we go because he insists on it. He loves it and I am very happy about that!
This Wednesday, October 15th, Spencer and I have been together 7 years!!! I can't believe how time has flown by. He is the greatest and I am very grateful that he came into my life. It just keeps getting better!

My birthday!

2008-10-05T17:25:00.000-06:00

Today is my birthday and it has been awesome so far! Spencer is a great husband and really fun to be around! He got me the wii fitness and it is a blast! Spencer and I are quite competitive so we have been challenging each other and come to find out, it is a great workout! We are both sweating and have had tons of water! It also tells ya your BMI and your center of balance, etc!

I have seen most of my family today and it has been great. Although, my last two pups went to their new homes today, but I know they will be very well taken care of! Well Spencer is challenging me to another game...

Spencer's new truck!

2008-10-01T08:56:00.001-06:00

Can I just say that I love seeing Spencer happy?!?! Last night we purchased Spencer this truck and it's exactly what he has been looking for! He was so excited and I absolutely loved seeing the smile on his face! He deserves this truck more than anyone I've ever known. He's never had a great vehicle, but never complained about it once. Infact, that is one thing my mom said she loved about Spencer when we first started dating. He could get any car to run and was totally content with it. Spencer is such a hard worker and deserves this truck! I love you Spence! I am so glad you are now driving this truck!

Photos

2008-09-28T11:32:00.000-06:00

Buster

Frodo

Scout

Bella

Oliver

I got the pups these cutest Halloween shirts to send them home in. They looked sooo cute in them even though some of the pups were so hard at getting pictures cuz they always want to be on the move! After all this, I have come to the conclusion that Spencer and I need a baby! Anyone agree that it's time?!?!

Sad, Sad, Sad

2008-09-27T18:52:00.000-06:00

Well Buster & Scout both went to their new homes today! We had people come look at them, they liked them and bought them! I have been pretty sad...well devastated! Spencer's been a great shoulder to cry on though! Oliver goes to his new home tomorrow morning. One good thing is I get to keep Bella and Frodo til next weekend and then that is when they go to their new homes! I love these pups so much! It has been a great experience...probably too great! I know they are all going to great homes, but that doesn't change the fact that I will misssss them! Anyone want to offer a hug? I cculd use more...

Tagged by Jamie

2008-09-26T17:23:00.000-06:00

8 TV shows I love to watch:
1. The Hills
2. 90210
3. Prison Break
4. The Biggest Loser
5. Oprah
6. Dr. Phil
7. Ellen
8. Good Things Utah

8 favorite places I love to eat:
1. Guadalajara (Burley, Idaho)
2. La Luna (West Jordan, Utah)
3. Macaroni Grill (Murray, Utah)
5. Olive Garden (Murray, Utah)
6. Subway (anywhere)
7. Johnny Carinos (West Jordan, Ut, Twin Falls, Id)
8. At home when Spencer cooks :)

8 things that happened yesterday (I am going to do today, since yesterday was full of studying)
1. woke up at 5:30am
2. Took my cute dogs potty
3.Went to University Psychiatry Institute for clinicals (from 7am to 4pm)
4. Attended therapy with my patients
5. studied my notes for pharmacology 2
6. Took a stress quiz (outcome: stressed from school; a no brainer!)
7. cleaned my house
8. getting ready to go out to eat with my husband (probably at one of the eight places listed above:)

8 things I look forward to:
1. When I walk out of the testing center this Monday after taking 2 tests!
2. Graduating!!!
3. Starting our 'lil Halford family!
4. My Birthday!
5. Weekends with my husband! ( I love days off with each other!)
6. Starting work as an R.N.
7. Buying a nice home
8. spending time with my dogs and the pups (It was hard for me to leave them for sooo long today :(

8 things I love about Fall:
1. My birthday!!!
2. The leaves changing color
3. My birthday!!!
4. Halloween decorations!
5. My birthday!!!
6. not too hot, not too cold
7. Fall break from school
8. and did I mention my birthday?!?!

8 things on my wish list:(only 8 things)

1. To keep all my pups (yeah, wishful thinking, that's why it's on this list)
2. Getting the new workout videos that are coming out (it's on my bday list, let's see if Spencer remembers)
3. A new house
4. new clothes (my husband doesn't find scrubs too attractive - can't blame him)
5. a million dollars...
6. no more stress from school
7. world peace (I know, I know...)
8. For Spencer to not watch anymore football!!!

8 people I'm tagging:
Amanda
Lacey
Callie
Kim
Rani
Lindsay
Krystal
Kara